Second I-95 Oxford Bridge Lane Shift Starts July 26

PROVIDENCE, RI — The second of five highway lane shifts just outside downtown Providence is going into place on Friday. The rotating schedule changes will continue throughout the rest of July and most of August, causing headaches for summer travelers and commuters alike.

Starting Friday, there will be a lane split in the middle of the highway on I-95 North, leaving two open lanes on either side. Stay to the right to access Exit 18.

On the southbound side, Exit 18 will not be accessible. Three lanes will be open on the left, cutting off access to Thurbers Avenue. The exit will only be accessible from the I-195 off-ramp.

The rotating lane closures will be in place until the week of August 23, allowing crews to replace the deck of the Oxford Street bridge. Construction has caused backups in the already busy area. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation released the full schedule of closures earlier this month.

When driving through the construction zone, drivers are asked to stay in their lane, as all go through. Stopping or changing lanes is a safety hazard for workers and increases the chances of causing a crash.