We would like to inform you of an upcoming travel advisory from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) that will take effect beginning Thursday, May 1. This advisory will significantly impact the intersections of Route 1 and Route 138, which are primary travel routes for patients and staff.
EXTENDED WEEKEND LANE CLOSURES BEGIN MAY 1
ON ROUTE 1 AT ROUTE 138 IN NORTH KINGSTOWN
Traffic delays expected
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists that in one week, starting Thursday night, May 1, at 9 p.m. it will begin the first of two consecutive extended weekend lane closures on Route 1 at the Route 138 interchange in North Kingstown. RIDOT is using accelerated bridge construction methods to rapidly replace this structurally deficient bridge.
During these weekends, lanes and ramps will be temporarily shifted and closed, and detours will be implemented. Route 1 will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Motorists should expect delays and provide additional time for travel. RIDOT strongly recommends the use of alternate routes if possible. Access to local businesses along the Route 1 corridor will be maintained at all times.
RIDOT has constructed new bridge decks next to the existing bridge and will slide them into place over the weekends. The southbound bridge will be done first, with demolition of the old bridge and installation of the new one taking place from 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 through 5 a.m. on Monday, May 5. The northbound bridge will be replaced during the same hours beginning Thursday night, May 8 and finishing prior to the morning commute on Monday, May 12.
The planned closures and suggested detours for both weekends are as follows:
Lanes/Ramps to be Closed:
Route 1 – one lane in each direction closed at the bridge
Ramp from Route 1 South to Route 138 East
Ramp from Route 138 West to Route 1 South
Ramps that allow traffic to reverse direction from Route 1 North to Route 1 South, and Route 1 South to Route 1 North
Lanes/Ramps to Remain Open:
Ramp from Route 1 North to Route 138 East
Ramp from Route 138 West to Route 1 North
Suggested Detours:
Route 1 South from East Greenwich to Route 138 East toward Jamestown/Newport: Remain on Route 1 South and reverse direction to Route 1 North using the turnaround approximately 1 mile south of the Tower (intersection with Moorsefield Road and Bridgetown Road). Follow Route 1 North to the ramp to Route 138 East. Note: Trucks will be directed to detour at Bridgetown Road to Boston Neck Road (Route 1A) to Route 138.
Route 1 South to Route 1 North: Use same detour as Route 1 South to Route 138.
Route 138 West from Jamestown to Route 1 South toward South Kingstown/Narragansett: Use the ramp for Route 1 North. Merge onto Route 4, then turn right onto West Allenton Road. Turn right onto Route 1 South.
Route 1 North to Route 1 South: Use same detour as Route 138 West to Route 1 South.
