Lane Shift Expected To Cause Backups On I-95 N

PROVIDENCE, RI — A lane shift is going into place on I-95 North in Providence near Thurbers Avenue. Rhode Island Department of Transportation officials say that lanes will be shifted to the left during construction on the Oxford Street bridge. The shift will go into place on April 8.

The bridge, just past the Thurbers Avenue curve and exit, carries I-95 over Oxford Street in Providence. RIDOT says the $10.8 million project is needed to make necessary repairs to the bridge and its superstructure.

While no lanes will be closed, all lanes will be shifted to the left, which will likely cause backups in the already-congested area due to the short merge lane at the Thurbers Avenue on-ramp. In addition, a yield sign will be placed at the entrance to the exit, which could cause delays to exiting drivers.

Further changes to the traffic pattern in the area are expected as construction continues. RIDOT scheduled the project for the summer, when there is generally less traffic.

The lane shift will not affect southbound lanes.