The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will implement a new traffic pattern on Route 99 South starting Friday night, July 11. The change occurs where Route 99 passes over Route 146 in North Smithfield as part of phased bridge preservation work.
RIDOT plans to work on the center of the bridge, necessitating a lane split with one lane on each side. Drivers are advised not to stop or change lanes suddenly at the split, as all lanes continue through. This configuration is expected to last for about two months, after which an additional lane shift will occur. The original traffic pattern is anticipated to return this fall.
During the lane split period, RIDOT may close one of the two lanes on Route 99 South during evening and overnight hours from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., limited to Sunday through Thursday nights.
This bridge work is part of RIDOT’s ongoing Route 146 project, which includes replacing multiple bridges, repaving eight miles of road, and reducing congestion at Sayles Hill Road and Route 146 by constructing a new flyover bridge. Approximately 171,000 vehicles use Route 146 daily.
All construction projects are subject to schedule and scope changes based on various factors such as needs, circumstances, findings, and weather conditions. The Route 146 project is supported by RhodeWorks. RIDOT remains committed to improving Rhode Island’s infrastructure while respecting and enhancing the environment.
For more information, visit www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.
Information from this article can be found here.
