DOT: Confused drivers try backing up on highway

PROVIDENCE—State highway officials reported few problems with traffic flow through downtown Providence on Monday, the first test of the new exit 20 during a weekday commute.

The exit from Interstate 95 south to Interstate 195 east is now on the right side of the highway, instead of the left.

But despite signs and a month of media coverage, officials said some drivers were still caught off-guard.

“We had a couple of incidents of people slowing and stopping and trying to back up, which we just cannot allow,“ said Michael Lewis, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation.

Lewis said if you miss the new ramp, take the next exit at Thurbers Avenue and get back on I-95 north to reach the Iway.

The state police said drivers face fines starting at $85 for making dangerous maneuvers.

“It is illegal for motorists to stop and back up on the highway, make quick multiple lane changes or travel in the breakdown lane in order to take the new exit,“ the state police said in a news release e-mailed to NBC 10.

The Iway is part of the $610 million Interstate 195 relocation project that reconfigures highway traffic in and around downtown Providence.