RIDOT TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE EXIT 27 (DOWNTOWN)

OFF OF I-95 SOUTHBOUND IN PAWTUCKET

Closure to Begin on March 18

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will temporarily close Exit 27 (Downtown) from I-95 Southbound in Pawtucket for approximately six weeks beginning Monday, March 18, 2013. This closure will allow for the demolition of the temporary exit ramp, as well as the transition to the permanent exit to downtown Pawtucket through the Pawtucket River Bridge Replacement Project.

During the temporary closure of Exit 27, motorists on I-95 Southbound will again have the choice of detouring to Exit 30 (Roosevelt Avenue) or Exit 25 (Smithfield Avenue) to reach their destinations. It is anticipated that the closure and detour should last through early May.

“We realize that this closure, although temporary, will still affect area residents and businesses,” said RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis.  “That is why we will continue working with the contractor to minimize these impacts as much as possible.”

Construction of the new Pawtucket River Bridge is a high priority for the Department. The bridge is being replaced through an $81 million contract with S&R/Pihl, a Joint Venture. RIDOT anticipates the project to be finished, and all roads and exits restored, in Summer 2013.

Motorists with questions can contact RIDOT’s Customer Service office at 401-222-2450 weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional information can be found on RIDOT’s social media sites Twitter and Facebook.