The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that it will begin overnight demolition of the old I-195 bridge over Wickenden Street in Providence as part of the Iway project. The work will take place during the overnight hours next week, beginning at 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 10, 2010. RIDOT will maintain traffic on Wickenden Street, but motorists will only find one lane of travel in each direction when demolition is taking place.

RIDOT expects this work will take approximately one week to complete, with lane restrictions in place Sunday through Thursday nights from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Additional work may be needed the following week, however, RIDOT expects that will take place during the daytime and not require any lane closures.

All schedules are weather dependent and subject to change. Snow or extreme cold could cause delays in the schedule.

“We apologize for any noise or disruption this work may cause over the next several days,” RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said.  “We must demolish the old highway in order to continue making improvements on the Iway project and in the Wickenden Street area.”

The demolition is being performed in advance of future improvements along Wickenden Street, and the relocation of Exit 2 on I-195 West later this year. The existing ramp to South Main Street would then be closed and the new ramp would bring motorists to the corner of Wickenden Street and Benefit Street.

This demolition work is not part of the more extensive demolition contract that RIDOT will advertise and award this spring that will raze the majority of the old I-195 highway. RIDOT also will make further improvements to the intersections of Wickenden Street and Benefit Street and Wickenden Street and South Main Street under a separate contract.

Motorists who have questions about this project are urged to contact RIDOT’s Customer Service office weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 222-2450.

RIDOT Release 1:10
January 6, 2010
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007