News Summary
Major traffic disruptions occurred on I-195 this week due to multiple incidents, including a multi-vehicle crash that left several injured. In response, RIDOT plans to install traffic paddles to improve merging at I-195 East. The department is also exploring other initiatives to enhance traffic flow during ongoing bridge reconstruction. Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes as officials monitor traffic conditions closely.
Providence, Rhode Island — Major traffic disruptions occurred on I-195 due to a series of incidents this week, prompting the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to implement new traffic management measures in an effort to alleviate congestion.
Starting Friday, RIDOT plans to install traffic paddles along a 500-foot stretch at the beginning of I-195 East, where it intersects with the merging traffic from I-95 North and South. These paddles will be positioned in the center of the highway to assist in the merging of lanes. This installation is likely to be temporary as RIDOT evaluates travel times and the effectiveness of the measures to determine if modifications or removals will be necessary in the future.
In addition to the paddle installation, RIDOT is actively exploring further initiatives to reduce travel time and enhance safety for drivers during the ongoing reconstruction of the westbound Washington Bridge.
Earlier this week, I-195 experienced significant traffic backups due to a serious multi-vehicle crash. On Tuesday night, a GMC Sierra struck a median barrier and subsequently caught fire, leading to severe congestion in the Seekonk area. The driver of the vehicle sustained serious injuries and emergency responders worked diligently to clear the lanes. By approximately 9:30 PM, traffic had been sufficiently addressed, allowing for the reopening of the lanes.
Earlier that same day, another serious incident caused major disruptions when a 13-vehicle pileup occurred on I-195 near the Rhode Island-Massachusetts line. The Rhode Island State Police reported the crash just before 9 AM, which took place around Exit 2 in East Providence. Thirteen individuals were reported injured as a result of the collision, including the driver of a tractor-trailer who has been charged with driving to endanger, resulting in physical injury.
The charged driver, identified as 64-year-old Jon P. Main from Cranston, Rhode Island, will face arraignment following his release from the hospital. The multidimensional accident involved a tractor-trailer that failed to stop for traffic, leading to a collision with approximately 12 other vehicles. Emergency personnel, including local police and fire departments, responded extensively to the scene of the crash, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Of the thirteen injured individuals, one female driver sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was among those transported to area hospitals. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation issued advisories to Seekonk commuters recommending they avoid I-195 due to the disruptions from the crash. Traffic in the eastbound direction was backed up to the East Shore Expressway, as drivers were cautioned to seek alternative routes.
By midday, RIDOT confirmed that the crash site had been cleared and normal traffic flow was restored prior to noon. The series of incidents on I-195 highlights ongoing challenges within the state’s transportation network, prompting RIDOT’s efforts to improve conditions amid ongoing reconstruction and high traffic volumes.
As consultative measures are rolled out, authorities continue to monitor the traffic conditions to ensure the safety of all motorists and minimize further disruptions.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10 News
- Wikipedia: I-195 (Rhode Island)
- ABC 33/40 News
- Google Search: I-195 traffic Rhode Island
- NBC Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accidents
- WPRI News
- Google News: East Providence traffic January 2025
