Traffic gridlocked along Interstate-195 going into Providence early this week due to construction on the Washington Bridge. The gridlock followed a change in the traffic pattern along the span.
To make room for construction equipment and crews, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation shut down the Gano Street exit, and opened a temporary on-ramp in East Providence.
The agency says the crews are repairing the top of the 50 year-old bridge. DOT spokesman Charles St. Martin said there are a few things drivers can do to keep traffic moving.
“Obey all the signage out there, don’t change your lanes. Any crossing of lanes, any accidents obviously is going to cause a lot more congestion,” said St. Martin. “And also, plan extra travel time.”
St. Martin said the construction will last at least until next summer. He expects gridlock to lessen as drivers get used to the temporary traffic pattern.
“We’ve seen this in other instances, when we have, especially something on the interstate, we have a new traffic pattern, and the first few days, traffic is heavier than usual as people become accustomed to the changes,” St. Martin said.
St. Martin says the DOT will add signage and markers as needed to help mitigate traffic.
