Tiverton Police Urge Motorists To Use Caution Following Rt. 24 Pile-Up

Although motorists sustained only minor injuries during a multiple-car crash on Monday morning, Tiverton Police are warning commuters to use caution in the construction zone by the Sakonnet River Bridge.

Several cars were involved in the crash on the Tiverton side of Route 24 during the morning rush hour. Travel lanes are currently narrowed to accommodate bridge construction and the speed limi in the construction zone temporarily limited to 40 mph.

"Traffic has been backing up there due to the reconfiguration," said Chief Thomas Blakey. "During construction, pay attention. You cannot be too aware."

Construction is ongoing on Route 24 and will continue to involve numerous lane shifts. Exit 5 which directs traffic onto Main Road on Route 24 North remains closed. These changes are necessary for the construction required to prepare the highway to match the alignment of the new Sakonnet River Bridge.

"We have constant inconsistancies with the lights and traffic signals, which at some points may be shut off so motorists need to be aware," said Blakey.

With the opening of southbound traffic on the new bridge, the state Department of Transportation temporarily closed the on-ramp from Route 138 (Main Road) to Route 24 South. Other local road closures remain in effect on the Tiverton side, chiefly affecting Central Avenue. Roads near the bridge may still be occasionally closed to construction activities.

On the Portsmouth side of the river, a section of Route 24 has been shifted at the Hummocks Avenue interchange.