Providence Making Changes Aimed At Reducing Washington Bridge Traffic

PROVIDENCE, RI — Providence city officials will make changes intended to mitigate traffic caused by the closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge, Mayor Brett Smiley said Wednesday.

"The closure of the Washington Bridge has had an increasingly negative impact on our neighbors, businesses, infrastructure and our local quality of life," Smiley said. "Providence is responding
by implementing temporary and permanent infrastructure changes that will bring much needed relief to our neighbors and business owners that have been negatively impacted by the congestion and traffic volume in our neighborhoods. I understand the concerns and frustration our neighbors are experiencing, and I am committed to doing everything we can to ease the impact this is having on our city."

Smiley said the city will collaborate with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to implement the changes. One major change is relocating the bike path along South Water Street to the raised sidewalk. This will add two additional travel lanes for cars.

City officials will also hold community engagement meetings throughout the summer, Smiley’s office said. Smiley said these meetings will allow short-term and long-term traffic mitigation plans to be finalized.

Additionally, Smiley said the city worked with RIDOT to increase the length of traffic light times to "expedite the flow of traffic and increase pedestrian cross time" on the following streets:

• Eddy Street
• Point Street
• Allens Avenue
• John J. Partington Way
• Dave Gavitt Way.

Smiley said city and state officials will also add signage, striping and pavement-marking improvements in the following areas.

• Eddy Street northbound at Point Street: Middle travel lane to be converted to a shared through lane/right turn lane to add capacity to the intersection and provide an additional route. (Expected completion the week of April 22, weather dependent)
• "Do not block the box" signs and markings to be installed at the following locations (expected completion the week of April 22, weather dependent):
  • Gano and Angell streets
  • Richmond and Point streets
  • South Water Wickenden streets
  • South Main and India streets.

Pavement markings will also be refreshed on South Angell, Angell and Gano streets, Smiley said.

Also read:

• Washington Bridge Needs Full Replacement Or Major Repairs: Report
• Washington Bridge Getting Additional Travel Lanes: McKee, RIDOT
• I-195 West Bypass Lanes Open Early On Washington Bridge
• Bypass Lanes, Ferries, Small Business Relief: Washington Bridge Update
• RI Small Business Loans Approved In Wake Of Bridge Shutdown: Report
• Bristol-Providence Ferry Service Ends.

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