DOT prepares to open last Iway ramp
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Iway Ramp Opening
The state DOT is preparing to open the ramp from I-195 west to I-95 north.
NBC 10
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Special Section: Iway
Web Site: Rhode Island Department of Transportation
PROVIDENCE—A major highway project in Providence will reach a milestone this week when state transportation officials open the final ramp of the new Interstate 95-195 interchange.
The ramp from Interstate 195 west over the new Iway bridge to Interstate 95 north is expected to open in time for the Thursday morning commute.
“You really don’t have to do anything new. You just have to follow the highway, follow the signs, and it will take you where you’re going,“ DOT Director Michael Lewis said.
As part of the work, the Wickenden and Dyer streets ramps to I-195 west will close, but drivers will be able to access both I-95 north and south from Gano Street. The DOT will also open a new off-ramp from I-95 north to Point Street on Tuesday morning.
The changes likely won’t happen without some traffic congestion as drivers get used to the new traffic patterns.
The old section of I-195 will be closed and eventually demolished, opening 20 acres of land to redevelopment.
“Twenty years from now, people are going to look at this part of the city and realize how it has flourished,“ Gov. Don Carcieri said. “Economically, it’ll be a key part for the state and the city.“
The DOT said the lane splits on Interstate 95 north and south in downtown Providence will remain in place for the forseeable future.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Reader Reactions
To DOT: There is now a new ramp that leads from Allens Ave. to 95 South.
This new access makes it very difficult, if not dangerous, for those of us traveling in the right lane of 95 South trying to take the Thurbers Ave. exit. The drivers from the new access ramp speed right through so we can’t get over to the exit,no matter how long our right blinkers are flashing. Is there any chance a YIELD sign can be put there before a bad accident occurs.
Well, whadda you know—when they changed the story they fixed the wording. Maybe there is hope yet!!
“.....when state transportation officials complete a new interchange of I-195 and I-95.“
LOL—Geez, and here I thought those buffoons sat at their desks all day long. They are actually working???
(sarcasm mode off)
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