Atwells Avenue Bridge Over I-95 In Providence Temporarily Closing

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation will temporarily close westbound traffic on the Atwells Avenue Bridge over I-95, heading towards Federal Hill, state officials said.

Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the left, and access toward Downtown and the service roads along I-95 will be maintained.

Officials said the closure will begin April 8, so crews can fix bridge joints and make other repairs. All lanes are expected to reopen by the end of June.

During the westbound travel restriction, drivers will follow a signed detour using Broadway and Dean Street along the following routes:

• I-95 North to Atwells Avenue: Take Exit 21. At the first traffic light, turn left onto Broadway. At the second light, take a right onto Dean Street toward Atwells Avenue.

• Downtown to Atwells Avenue: From Sabin Street or Empire Street, follow Broadway over the highway and take a right at the second light onto Dean Street toward Atwells Avenue. Drivers should only turn right at the intersection of Atwells Avenue and Broadway if they are trying to reach the Hilton hotel or the on-ramp to I-95 North. All other traffic should stay straight on Broadway and follow the detour.

There are no restrictions for I-95 South traffic using Exit 21 to Atwells Avenue. A detour map is available here.

Work on the Atwells Avenue Bridge is part of RIDOT's $265 million Providence Viaduct Northbound project. In addition to replacing the nearly 1,300-foot long I-95 North Viaduct, the project will rebuild 10 additional bridges, many of which are of critical safety concern, state officials said.