News Summary
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is implementing a traffic lane shift on Route 37 West in Cranston starting July 6 as part of the Cranston Canyon/Route 37 Bridges project. This shift will allow for ongoing bridge reconstruction work over Oaklawn Avenue. Drivers are advised to be cautious and aware of potential stops in the construction zone as the new traffic patterns are enforced throughout the summer. The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow at a budget of $85 million.
Cranston
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will implement a traffic lane shift on Route 37 West in Cranston starting on July 6 as part of the Cranston Canyon/Route 37 Bridges project. This lane shift is designed to facilitate ongoing bridge reconstruction work that focuses on the bridge carrying Route 37 over Oaklawn Avenue.
The new lane configuration will include one lane directed to the right, allowing for access to the Interstate 295 North exit, and one lane directed to the left for drivers continuing on Route 37 West. Both lanes will operate similarly to traditional off-ramps, providing separate pathways for vehicles depending on their intended route.
The lane adjustment will remain in place throughout the summer, and drivers are being cautioned to reduce their speed and stay alert for potential stops in the construction zone. The traffic configurations have already been adjusted to accommodate construction activities and address ongoing flooding concerns in the area.
Currently, traffic on Route 37 has been restricted to the westbound side due to the demolition and construction of multiple bridges after work began in June 2023. The Cranston Canyon Project, which holds a budget of $85 million, encompasses upgrades to both Route 37 and Interstate 295 to improve safety and traffic flow in the region.
The upcoming lane shifts on Route 37 will begin on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. for Route 37 East and aim to be completed by 6 a.m. the following morning. On Thursday night, the westbound side of Route 37 will experience a single lane shift to the left, further altering the traffic patterns in the area.
Concerns regarding the structural integrity of the bridge have been raised by local residents, highlighting the visible deterioration of materials like bricks being undermined by both water and heavy equipment. RIDOT has acknowledged these issues, indicating that repairs to the bridge are outlined in the “next” Route 37 project, ensuring that necessary improvements are forthcoming.
Plans for the actual replacement of the bridge are set to commence in the spring, with the entire process expected to take up to two years to complete. These upgrades are crucial for enhancing transportation infrastructure and addressing challenges faced by motorists in Cranston.
RIDOT has secured millions in grant funding to ensure the success of the Cranston Canyon Project, which consists of several stages aimed at enhancing roadway conditions and safety measures. As the project progresses, ongoing updates to traffic patterns are anticipated, necessitating that drivers remain vigilant and adaptable while navigating through construction zones.
The Cranston Canyon/Route 37 Bridges project epitomizes RIDOT’s commitment to addressing infrastructure needs in the state while ensuring public safety during construction. More information regarding the improvements and related traffic advisories will be provided as the project advances through its various phases.
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Additional Resources
- Turn to 10: RIDOT Fix for Bridge on Route 37
- Providence Journal: Interstate 295 Night Closures
- Warwick Online: I-295 Lane Gain and Future Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Construction
- ABC 6: Traffic Backup on Interstate 295
- Google Search: Cranston Traffic Updates
