RIDOT about to reach Iway milestone

PROVIDENCE, RI (WPRI) - Rhode Island's Iway project is about to reach another milestone.

The RI Department of Transportation announced Monday that it will open the next major segment of the Iway to traffic on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The new Exit 20 from I-95 South to I-195 East will now be located on the right-hand side of the highway. The current left-hand exit for old I-195 East will close at the same time, as will access to old I-195 Exits 1 (Downtown) and 2 (Wickenden Street).

On Dec. 3, RIDOT anticipates opening a new on-ramp from Plain Street, near Rhode Island Hospital, to I-195 East. This ramp will replace the Friendship Street on-ramp to old I-195 East, which RIDOT closed in May. Additionally, the fifth lane of the Washington Bridge eastbound is scheduled to open on December 5.

RIDOT expects that these changes, particularity the opening of new Exit 20, will result in traffic congestion on I-95 South during the first few days of this new traffic pattern.

"Changes of this magnitude can lead to confusion and therefore congestion as people become accustomed to new ways of getting through and into and out of Providence," RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said. "We encourage motorists to 'Take the RIGHT way to the Iway' for I-195 East and keep left for I-95 South. This is the most basic change with this new exit opening – the shifting of the exit from the left side of the highway to the right."

As new traffic patterns become established, RIDOT said it expects motorists will experience an improved commute on I-95 and I-195. The goals of the Iway are to improve highway capacity, increase safety and reduce highway congestion through Providence, it said.