Crews Shifting Crossover Point Near Washington Bridge In Providence

PROVIDENCE, RI — New traffic patterns are coming to Providence this week as part of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation's (RIDOT) plan to ease traffic caused by the closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge.

To provide three travel lanes in both directions of Interstate 195 over the bridge, RIDOT will shift the crossover point for westbound traffic a half-mile closer to the Washington Bridge overnight Monday into Tuesday.

RIDOT officials said the change will be complete before Tuesday's morning commute, though more work will need to be done before adding additional travel lanes.

Drivers will not need to adjust their route. They need to stay in their lanes through the new crossover to the eastbound side of I-195, following the reduced 40 mph speed limit.

This change creates a work zone so RIDOT can continue construction necessary to fully implement the three-lane configuration later this month. RIDOT officials said they are on schedule to complete this work on or before April 22.

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