Westbound traffic flows over Iway for first time
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RIDOT Opens Westbound Iway
Drivers encounter a new traffic pattern on Interstate 195 west.
Published: June 18, 2009
Updated: June 18, 2009
PROVIDENCE—Drivers heading west into Providence on Thursday morning encountered heavy backups as they navigated a new traffic pattern as part of the Iway project.
But state Department of Transportation officials said the evening commute went smoothly for the most part.
Thursday was the first test of the new traffic pattern on Interstate 195 west. The split to Interstate 95 now occurs right after the Gano Street exit.
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Drivers heading south cross the new Providence River Bridge and use a new roadway to connect to Interstate 95 south. Drivers heading for Interstate 95 north stay right and use the old Interstate 195.
DOT officials said some drivers appeared confused as they came off the Washington Bridge, despite numerous signs warning them of the change. Officials urged drivers not to stop, back up or change lanes suddenly.
The change also meant the closure of some ramps in downtown Providence. Drivers can no longer access I-95 south from Gano Street, Wickenden Street or Dyer Avenue.
A temporary ramp from Allens Avenue will put drivers on I-95 south.
The connection is the third of four new highway segments planned as part of the $610 million Iway project. The final segment is scheduled to open later this year.
NBC 10’s Michelle Brown contributed to this report.
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Reader Reactions
Well, it wasn’t as easy as you make it sound for me this a.m. When I was on it this morning, going to 95N, the 2 lanes on the right that you’re saying you have to stay in was only 1 lane and it was very narrow. So, I certainly can see how the traffic would have easily backed up this morning at rush hour. I was traveling that route at 4:45 am so i was lucky, but in rush hour traffic, I can only imagine how backed up it was with only one lane to drive in!
So, it wasn’t as easy as you say!
Why worry there is 12 % unemployment now that will mean less traffic .
Bob Cumberland
It’s quite simple people…If your coming down 195 West and you want to go to 95 South…..STAY IN THE LEFT 2 LANES. If you want to take the Gano or South Main Street exits or to go to 95 North…STAY IN THE RIGHT 2 LANES! It’s really not rocket science!!
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