I-295 Lane Closures In Place For Bridge Preservation In Smithfield

SMITHFIELD, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will close the right lane of I-295 in Smithfield for a bridge preservation project, officials said.

The closure starts Friday and affects both sides of the highway, as it passes over Stillwater Road, just south of Exit 15.

Officials said it will be in place until July, and then RIDOT will reopen the right lane and close the left lane. RIDOT will keep at least two lanes open in each direction during peak periods. RIDOT will remove all shifts and closures in October, officials said.

The lane closures are not expected to cause traffic delays, but RIDOT encourages motorists to reduce their speed and drive cautiously through the work zones.

The $16.2 million, 10-bridge project aims to extend the useful life of bridges across the state and reduce vehicle emissions with more efficient traffic flow. More about the project can be found on RIDOT's website.