Major changes on Rt 95 this weekend

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - With the snip of a scissor, Gov. Donald Carcieri and officials from the RI Department of Transportation ushered in a major milestone in the Iway project Friday morning.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the newest Iway ramp, which is scheduled to open Saturday.

"This investment in our state's infrastructure is an essential element of making Rhode Island an efficient and safe place to live and do business," Governor Donald L. Carcieri said. "The entire project is a significant improvement in a major highway interchange and it brings our transportation system into the 21st century. Drivers will see the benefits as they become accustomed to the change."

The new ramp at Exit 20 will carry traffic from I-95 South to I-195 East - but instead of exiting to the left like the old ramp, the new ramp will exit to the right. Simply put, drivers wanting to stay on 95 should stay to the left, drivers wanting to get on 195 East should stay to the right.

In addition, the left exit will close on Saturday, as well as access to old I-195 Exits 1 (Downtown) and 2 (Wickenden St).

RIDOT is expecting the changes to cause some congestion. It is urging drivers to allow for extra time in the coming days as people get used to the new traffic pattern.

Additional information is available by calling 511 or listening to the Highway Advisory Radio system on 1630 AM. Motorists also can contact RIDOT’s Customer Service department at 222-2450 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.