EAST PROVIDENCE — Chief Michael J. Rapoza and the East Providence Police Department advise residents and motorists to prepare for significant traffic disruptions during the overnight closure of I-195 on Nov. 6-7.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is scheduled to close I-195 in both directions near the Taunton Avenue exit beginning at 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6. The closure will allow crews to demolish the Potter Street Bridge as part of the Washington Bridge rebuild project. Lane closures may begin after 8 p.m. Friday in preparation for the work.
RIDOT expects some lanes to reopen by 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, with all lanes reopening by noon.
Drivers should avoid the area if possible and postpone unnecessary travel during the closure. Those who must travel should allow extra time, follow all posted detours and obey officers directing traffic.
Additional traffic officers will be assigned to assist during the closure. Please follow all posted detours and obey officers directing traffic.
Local Traffic Impacts
Detoured highway traffic will use Warren Avenue, resulting in temporary restrictions on Warren Avenue and nearby streets:
- Only Pawtucket Avenue and Waterfront Drive will be available for north-south travel across Warren Avenue.
- On-street parking will be prohibited along Warren Avenue between the I-195 East off-ramp and the I-195 East on-ramp near South County Street.
- Drivers will not be permitted to turn from Pawtucket Avenue onto Warren Avenue westbound.
- Broadway will be closed between Freeborn Avenue and Warren Avenue.
- I-195 West on-ramps from Warren Avenue westbound at the East Shore Expressway, Pawtucket Avenue in both directions and Broadway southbound will be closed.
The center of Warren Avenue will be reserved for emergency vehicle travel. Drivers must keep this area clear.
Highway Detours
I-195 East: Traffic will use Exit 1D onto Warren Avenue, turn left at the end of the ramp and follow Warren Avenue for approximately 1 mile to the on-ramp returning to I-195 East.
I-195 West: Traffic will use Exit 2 at Broadway, turn left at the end of the ramp and then turn right onto Warren Avenue. Drivers will follow Warren Avenue for approximately three-quarters of a mile to a temporarily reopened on-ramp to I-195 West.
Local drivers seeking access to I-195 should follow RIDOT’s posted detours.
Residents and motorists should monitor official RIDOT and City of East Providence social media channels for updates. The schedule and traffic arrangements may change due to weather or construction needs.
For additional details, visit RIDOT’s travel advisory: https://apps.ri.gov/
