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Eddy Street Lane Reduction for Bridge Repairs in Providence

Eddy Street experiences lane reduction for crucial bridge repairs in Providence.

News Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is set to reduce Eddy Street over Interstate 95 to one lane starting July 28 due to bridge repairs. This decision follows the bridge being rated as structurally deficient, raising safety concerns. An alternating traffic pattern will be implemented during construction to maintain traffic flow. This work is part of a broader initiative to improve various roadways across the state, including significant upgrades to the Interstate 95 viaduct and other ongoing construction projects aimed at enhancing traffic safety and efficiency.

Providence, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is set to reduce Eddy Street over Interstate 95 to one lane starting July 28 due to necessary bridge repairs. This critical lane reduction comes after the bridge was rated as structurally deficient, emphasizing safety concerns for drivers and pedestrians alike.

During the construction, an alternating traffic pattern will be implemented, which aims to maintain traffic flow while ensuring the safety of both workers and motorists in the area. For those seeking additional details regarding the lane reduction, RIDOT has provided a link for more information.

This project is part of Rhode Island’s broader summer construction initiative targeting various roadways across the state. Currently, significant work is ongoing throughout the area, including milling and repaving on U.S. Route 1, enhancements to the Interstate 95 viaduct through downtown Providence, and a redesign of the intersection at Route 146 and Sayles Hill Road.

Ongoing Construction Projects

The “I-95 15” project is a pivotal part of the state’s infrastructure improvements, which aims to replace 15 bridges on Interstate 95 in Providence and Cranston. This initiative will not only address structural deficiencies but also improve overall traffic efficiency.

Another important aspect of this plan involves converting Route 10, a major freeway, into a boulevard. This redesign will incorporate enhanced safety features, including a shared-use path intended for pedestrians and cyclists, making it safer and more accessible. The full completion of this project is projected to be finished by 2030.

Currently, Route 10 has already been reduced to one lane in each direction from the I-95 ramps to Park Avenue, causing additional impacts on traffic flow in the area.

Bridge Replacements and Safety Improvements

The I-95 viaduct, which spans 1,295 feet, is set to be replaced, aiming to streamline traffic patterns by separating northbound through traffic from vehicles headed to Route 146. While there have been no major closures reported so far, the West River Street Bridge in Providence is also undergoing replacement, contributing to the general infrastructure upgrades in the region.

Additionally, the Route 37 improvement project includes the replacement and redesign of 22 bridges, with nearly half of them classified as being in poor condition. The redesigns aim to enhance safety and reduce accidents across these critical transportation routes.

In North Smithfield, Route 146 is experiencing a full redesign to minimize crashes at the intersection with Sayles Hill Road, including multiple bridge replacements and extensive road repaving works to enhance safety and traffic flow.

Future Developments

It’s worth noting that an incident termed “Stumpgate” occurred, which involved a contractor inadvertently cutting down more trees than necessary in the corridor. Scheduled replacements for these trees are set to take place between 2025 and 2027 as part of the ecological restoration efforts associated with ongoing construction work.

Overall, the Eddie Street lane reduction is just one segment of a comprehensive plan directed at improving traffic conditions throughout Rhode Island. With multiple construction projects simultaneously aiming to enhance road safety and efficiency, the focus is clearly on building a safer and more reliable transportation network for the state’s residents.