Roadway Improvements Planned in Rhode Island

Ongoing road improvements in Rhode Island aimed at enhancing safety and reducing traffic congestion.

News Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is set to begin significant paving and construction projects on Route 7 and Route 146. The improvements aim to enhance the roadway experience for residents and travelers, with nighttime work scheduled to minimize traffic disruption. The $19.9 million project will revamp traffic signals and sidewalks, while a larger $196 million initiative focuses on upgrading infrastructure across the state, including an overpass on Route 146. These efforts aim to improve safety and reduce congestion for all commuters.

Simplified and pressing roadway improvements are on the horizon for residents and travelers in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has announced significant paving and construction initiatives that will impact Route 7 in Smithfield and North Providence, as well as Route 146 in North Smithfield.

Route 7 Paving Project Details

RIDOT will initiate a repaving project for Route 7 that stretches from Twin River Road in Smithfield to Mineral Spring Avenue in North Providence. This work is scheduled to occur nightly from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, aiming to minimize inconvenience during peak travel hours. As the construction progresses, roadwork may lead to closures, with detours posted as necessary to guide motorists around affected areas.

The Route 7 project is a part of a larger $19.9 million initiative focused on enhancing the roadway. Improvements will not only include new pavement but also updates to traffic signals, sidewalks, and accessibility enhancements. Specifically, paving from Mineral Spring Avenue to the Providence city line is anticipated to commence in July and August this year. RIDOT expects the work from Twin River Road to Mineral Spring Avenue to be completed by the end of June.

Route 146 Lane Reductions

In a separate construction effort, lane reductions on Route 146 in North Smithfield are set to begin on Sunday, October 30. This pre-construction work is necessary for the installation of an overpass at Sayles Hill Road. During this period, Route 146 will be limited to one lane in each direction at night for a duration of up to one month, ensuring that at least one lane remains open throughout the construction timeline.

The work schedule for Route 146 will take place from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights. Additionally, traffic on Sayles Hill Road might be detoured during the work hours, with potential shutdowns in one direction between 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and extending to 2 p.m. on select days.

Long-term Improvements

The overpass project and associated lane reductions are part of a larger $196 million construction initiative aimed at upgrading infrastructure in the state. Notably, all eight miles of Route 146 are scheduled for repaving, with critical areas expected to be completed by the end of September 2025. The new overpass at the Sayles Hill Road intersection is designed to decrease traffic light delays and the annual estimated 85 crashes that occur at this busy intersection.

Upon completion, projected for spring 2026, this initiative seeks to alleviate significant traffic congestion and enhance safety conditions for all commuters. The new structure will maintain the existing highway footprint while providing a dedicated lane for buses to facilitate public transit.

Additional Construction Projects

In an ongoing effort to enhance road safety and efficiency, the Diamond Hill Road overpass in Cumberland is also scheduled for traffic lane reductions beginning February 28. The construction will result in a reduction of travel lanes from three to two for approximately 10 months as part of rapid bridge replacement projects addressing the structurally deficient Diamond Hill Road and Douglas Pike Bridges.

While all projects are ambitious, RIDOT notes that schedules may change based on traffic needs and weather conditions. All these endeavors aim to improve Rhode Island’s infrastructure, with the ultimate goal being a more reliable and safer transportation network for residents and visitors alike.