RIDOT Announces Lane Shift Schedule For I-95 Bridge Work

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has released the schedule for rotating lane closures on Interstate 95 North and South throughout the rest of the summer. Starting next week, Phase Two of construction on the Oxford Street Bridge will begin with the closure of one lane on each side, splitting traffic.

The $10.8 million construction project began earlier this summer, when crews narrowed the lanes in both directions to allow for preliminary work near Exit 18. RIDOT said the lane closures are needed to allow for the replacement of the bridge deck.

The first traffic change will go into place on Friday, July 19. Every one to two weeks after, the lane pattern will change. Throughout construction, Exit 18 will only be accessible from the far right lane on the southbound side. During the second lane change, starting July 26, Exit 18 will be closed to traffic on I-95 South. All bridge deck replacement work is scheduled to be finished by the end of the summer, with all lanes set to be open in September. Each lane change will go into effect on the northbound side on Fridays and the southbound side on Saturdays.

The split lanes and short merge lane at Exit 18 is expected to cause backups heading into Providence and the Interstate 195 interchange, especially during rush hour. Drivers are encouraged to leave extra travel time and drive slowly in the area. If possible, RIDOT asks drivers to avoid the on-ramps in the Thurbers Avenue and Allens Avenue area to help reduce congestion, or to consider using the MBTA commuter rail, which runs from Wickford Junction to Providence or Boston, with a stop at T.F. Green Airport.

When driving through the area, drivers should not attempt to stop or switch lanes. Doing so increases the likelihood of crashes or traffic congestion.

Here's a look at the lane change schedule. All photos are courtesy of RIDOT.

Stage Two: July 19

• Northbound: Three lanes to the left, one to the right
• Southbound: Four lanes to the left, one to the right. Use the far-right lane to get to Exit 18.

Stage Three: July 26

• Northbound: Two lanes to the left, two to the right
• Southbound: Three lanes to the left, two to the right. Exit 18 will only be accessible from the I-195 West ramp.

Stage Four: August 2

• Northbound: One lane to the left, three to the right
• Southbound: Two lanes to the left, three to the right. Use the far-right lane to access Exit 18.

Stage Five: August 16

• Northbound: No split, all lanes shifted right
• Southbound: ONe lane to the left, four to the right. Use the far-right lane to access Exit 18.

Stage Six: August 23

• Southbound: No split, all lanes shift right