Driving down I-95 over the weekend, I noticed several new pieces of signage on I-95 SB in Providence between Exits 23-22. The new signage is linked to the Providence River Viaduct replacement. Most notable about the signage for Exits 22C-B-A was RI's first "new generation" arrow-per-lane BGS. I wonder if there will be similar APL signage NB for Exit 23 where RI 146 branches off...
Also, all the new signage for SB Exits 23-22 is on right-hand supports. All BGS' were removed from the bridges.
They recently installed mile markers on 146
Interestingly, the numbers go up from both ends. Northbound markers start at 0 in Providence and go up heading towards Mass., southbound markers start at 0 at the state line, and go up heading towards I-95.
Quote from: lowerdeck on September 22, 2015, 11:44:31 AM
They recently installed mile markers on 146
Interestingly, the numbers go up from both ends. Northbound markers start at 0 in Providence and go up heading towards Mass., southbound markers start at 0 at the state line, and go up heading towards I-95.
What a RIDOTy thing to do.
Quote from: lowerdeck on September 22, 2015, 11:44:31 AM
Interestingly, the numbers go up from both ends. Northbound markers start at 0 in Providence and go up heading towards Mass., southbound markers start at 0 at the state line, and go up heading towards I-95.
:banghead: Groan...only to remove them all and replace them, wasting more $$ RIDOT doesn't have. There was talk of a MUCH NEEDED Rte 146 sign-replacement for 2016, but I'm unaware if any official bids went out. They will likely number the exits (finally) during the replacement as they did during the RI 10 replacement.
Mileage based numbers perhaps? (Assuming they fix the mile-markers)
I have a question about Route 146. It's on the Massachusetts section, but could still relate to RI: In the south end of Worcester, before the I-90 and US Route 20 exits, I see a sign for Mile Marker 20. Is that 20 miles to the RI state line or to the end of Route 146 in Providence?
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on September 23, 2015, 10:28:12 PM
I have a question about Route 146. It's on the Massachusetts section, but could still relate to RI: In the south end of Worcester, before the I-90 and US Route 20 exits, I see a sign for Mile Marker 20. Is that 20 miles to the RI state line or to the end of Route 146 in Providence?
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/42.2041807,-71.7760394/42.012644,-71.5782855/@41.906439,-71.4725421,9z
was that so hard?
We drove through Rhode Island for the first time I can remember. I am speechless. :-o :-( X-( The signage is SO bad. There's too many specific errors to report. I finally understand why so many people hate RIDOT/it is a laughingstock of DOT's. Damn you RIDOT. There's not even a welcome sign on U.S. 6 headed east into the state. It's one of the 4 or 5 major routes into the state. I think it deserves at least a small marker. Connecticut has a welcome sign headed west, though. It makes me glad I'm from the Nutmeg State.
Quote from: TravelingBethelite on December 13, 2015, 12:00:38 PM
We drove through Rhode Island for the first time I can remember. I am speechless. :-o :-( X-( The signage is SO bad. There's too many specific errors to report. I finally understand why so many people hate RIDOT/it is a laughingstock of DOT's. Damn you RIDOT. There's not even a welcome sign on U.S. 6 headed east into the state. It's one of the 4 or 5 major routes into the state. I think it deserves at least a small marker. Connecticut has a welcome sign headed west, though. It makes me glad I'm from the Nutmeg State.
Your post reminded me I hadn't posted observations about my last trip through RI a month ago. Agree with much above, what stood out to me as bad practices were mile markers. At the beginning of the US 6 freeway east of I-295 new mile 2/10 mile (reference) markers have been put up. They started under the I-295 overpass at 0.0 and went up from there. Fine if they were put up just to count the expressway mileage, but they had US 6 shields and East on them. If they were going to the bother of putting a route shield and direction on them, why not use the total US 6 mileage. When US 6 merges with RI 10 in Providence, the mile markers started over again at 0.0, this time the markers had both US 6 and RI 10 shields. If and when RIDOT converts to milepost exit numbering, if US 6 is to be included (the current exits don't have numbers) and the total state mileage is included they'll have to replace all the current markers unless they really want to confuse drivers.
As an RI native, I've suffered through awful RIDOT signage most of my entire life. It took from 2002-2009 to convert the major interstates to modern BGS'. I-195 still has a few "one offs" around Exits 6-8 that were either never replaced or "doctored" with green-out on the "original canvas."
There are still state routes such as RI 4, RI 24, and RI 146 that have decrepit BGS' dating back to the early 90s. I was just on RI 24 South yesterday and there was a HUGE chunk missing from an overhead BGS for RI 138 (looks like a truck strike). I wouldn't bank on RIDOT replacing that one anytime soon.
RI 4 & RI 24 have had some "spot replacements" only because of new construction projects.
RI 78 in Westerly is the absolute worst one of them all...you're lucky if you even get a trailblazer for the exit. There are only two severely-aging BGS' along that entire route from maybe the mid-1980s?? U.S. 1 in South County is not that great, either.
The BGSs on RI 78 are probably original from when the road was built in the early 70s. Not was old as the Henderson Bridge BGSs but pretty close.
The signs on the upper part of RI 146 in North Smithfield are from the mid 1980s and almost unreadable at night.
RI has the absolute worst signing practices in the country.
Quote from: Beeper1 on December 14, 2015, 07:21:59 PM
The BGSs on RI 78 are probably original from when the road was built in the early 70s. Not was old as the Henderson Bridge BGSs but pretty close.
The signs on the upper part of RI 146 in North Smithfield are from the mid 1980s and almost unreadable at night.
RI has the absolute worst signing practices in the country.
The signs on RI 78 aren't all that old. They cannot possibly be from the 1970s.
RI-78 signs aren't button copy but the Henderson Bridge signage is.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/600/22507094804_14000ba8c9_z.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/715/22576675130_7bbe4c7bca_c.jpg)
I'm guessing Henderson Bridge signage is 1960s and even though the RI-78 signs look beat up and non-reflective, Id' say late 1970s or 1980?
Recently a good portion of Mineral Spring Ave. (RI 15) FINALLY finished completion, after spending God-knows-how-long working on it. The big holdup? Pawtucket has been progressively and gradually replacing street signs with a new design, with white fancy text on a black background since it matches the new image campaign for the city, so they wanted to install them. However, RIDOT wanted to install ginormous generic street signs because of ADA concerns. RIDOT won the battle of the street signs, and AFAIK Pawtucket is still seething.
Meanwhile, they're still taking forever repairing a bridge. A bridge that happens to be a main artery in the downtown core.
https://goo.gl/maps/66iq3pADR7n
Quote from: Mergingtraffic on December 16, 2015, 12:23:37 AM
RI-78 signs aren't button copy but the Henderson Bridge signage is.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/600/22507094804_14000ba8c9_z.jpg)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/715/22576675130_7bbe4c7bca_c.jpg)
I'm guessing Henderson Bridge signage is 1960s and even though the RI-78 signs look beat up and non-reflective, Id' say late 1970s or 1980?
RIDOT started using reflective BGS' (w/demountable non-button-copy lettering) around the early-to-mid-70s; some of the earliest examples of such were along the Pawtucket-Providence stretch of I-95 that featured full-width, non-bordered exit tabs with the text/numerals right or left-justified depending on exit ramp location (most if not all of these BGS' were replaced at least 2 decades ago).
That said, those old button-copy BGS' (believe it or not) are very likely from the 1960s (the shields may have been replaced once or twice).
Saw this article posted on FB's BostonRoads group:
RI is proposing to toll truck traffic on its highways
including Interstates (95, 195, 295). 10 of the 14 gantries will be erected along Interstates.
Locations of proposed truck toll gantries released as Assembly convenes (http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20160105/NEWS/160109669); see article for proposed locations.
Quote from: Opening paragraphPROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Minutes after the first General Assembly session of 2016 convened Tuesday, Governor Raimondo released the preliminary locations of 14 gantries that would collect tolls from large commercial trucks under her proposed statewide bridge repair plan.
If memory serves, Federal permission is required to place tolls on
existing free interstates and the conditions for such that the toll revenue generated
goes specifically for the roadway(s) being tolled and/or towards expansion(s) of said-highway(s) (i.e. Express-toll lanes).
Unless the Federal rules recently changed; I don't see how this proposal, in its current form, will fly.
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 06, 2016, 09:04:43 AM
Saw this article posted on FB's BostonRoads group:
RI is proposing to toll truck traffic on its highways including Interstates (95, 195, 295). 10 of the 14 gantries will be erected along Interstates.
Locations of proposed truck toll gantries released as Assembly convenes (http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20160105/NEWS/160109669); see article for proposed locations.
Quote from: Opening paragraphPROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Minutes after the first General Assembly session of 2016 convened Tuesday, Governor Raimondo released the preliminary locations of 14 gantries that would collect tolls from large commercial trucks under her proposed statewide bridge repair plan.
If memory serves, Federal permission is required to place tolls on existing free interstates and the conditions for such that the toll revenue generated goes specifically for the roadway(s) being tolled and/or towards expansion(s) of said-highway(s) (i.e. Express-toll lanes).
Unless the Federal rules recently changed; I don't see how this proposal, in its current form, will fly.
The whole idea of tolling trucks only was a poorly thought out idea, as far as I can tell, no other state exclusively tolls only one type of motor vehicle while letting other vehicles use the same road free of charge. The trucks are just going to go around RI and they will start tolling cars (even though they "promise" not to ... yeah right) because they will have invested in all the tolling equipment and will need to pay for it somehow.
As far as tolling interstates, if they do get permission, I think you're correct that the tolls collected can only be used on that particular piece of roadway, and I believe it will not be eligible for federal highway funds anymore, since that's what the collected tolls will be for (no double dipping).
This brings up a good question: Has Rhode Island ever had toll roads, outside of the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge? :hmmm:
The Mount Hope Bridge used to have a toll, but that was made toll free in the mid/late 90s. The old Jamestown Bridge was tolled until sometime in the 60s. I think it became toll-free when the Newport Bridge opened with it's toll.
Other than those bridges, I don't think it has had any toll roads. There were plans in the 50s for a "Rhode Island Turnpike" that would have roughly followed the RI-138 corridor from Tiverton to the CT line near Richmond, but it was never built.
Quote from: doogie1303 on January 12, 2016, 06:06:00 PMThe whole idea of tolling trucks only was a poorly thought out idea, as far as I can tell, no other state exclusively tolls only one type of motor vehicle while letting other vehicles use the same road free of charge.
The Spring Valley toll gantry along the northbound NY Thruway (I-87/287), just west of the Garden State Parkway interchange (Exit 14A) doesn't charge a toll for passenger cars (it originally did way back when).
Fixed Carrier Cash Toll Rates (see No. 14, 2L) (http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/tolls/schedules/barrier.html)
Quote from: doogie1303 on January 12, 2016, 06:06:00 PM
The whole idea of tolling trucks only was a poorly thought out idea, as far as I can tell, no other state exclusively tolls only one type of motor vehicle while letting other vehicles use the same road free of charge.
The Masspike west of Springfield (?) only charged truck tolls for a while.
Quote from: NE2 on January 13, 2016, 02:06:29 PM
Quote from: doogie1303 on January 12, 2016, 06:06:00 PM
The whole idea of tolling trucks only was a poorly thought out idea, as far as I can tell, no other state exclusively tolls only one type of motor vehicle while letting other vehicles use the same road free of charge.
The Masspike west of Springfield (?) only charged truck tolls for a while.
Yes, but the Mass Pike was originally built as a toll road. Most of the interstates in RI were built with a mix of federal and state highway funds, and never built to be tolled.
There is more information on this website about the construction of i-95 in RI:
http://www.bostonroads.com/roads/I-95_RI/
I have never been to RI but I have seen comments on the poor state of RI roads.
I would think RI would have some of best roads in the country since it is so small, has a large city and presumably a good amount of gas taxes.
Any thoughts on this?
For what it's worth NJ should have great roads too.. It's small, relatively low state highway milage and major corridors are self sustaining toll roads.
I know both states are older and densely populated.
Quote from: jwolfer on January 13, 2016, 09:30:07 PM
I have never been to RI but I have seen comments on the poor state of RI roads.
I would think RI would have some of best roads in the country since it is so small, has a large city and presumably a good amount of gas taxes.
Any thoughts on this?
For what it's worth NJ should have great roads too.. It's small, relatively low state highway milage and major corridors are self sustaining toll roads.
I know both states are older and densely populated.
Large numbers of roads and high taxes of all other sorts, in both cases, limit the dollars per mile.
Quote from: jwolfer on January 13, 2016, 09:30:07 PM
I have never been to RI but I have seen comments on the poor state of RI roads.
I would think RI would have some of best roads in the country since it is so small, has a large city and presumably a good amount of gas taxes.
Any thoughts on this?
I'm not sure if such is still the case (it was during the 80s and earlier) but the revenue collected from RI's gas taxes goes to a general fund rather than a highway or even a transportation fund. IMHO, there's a chunk of the problem right there.
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 14, 2016, 09:53:26 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on January 13, 2016, 09:30:07 PM
I have never been to RI but I have seen comments on the poor state of RI roads.
I would think RI would have some of best roads in the country since it is so small, has a large city and presumably a good amount of gas taxes.
Any thoughts on this?
I'm not sure if such is still the case (it was during the 80s and earlier) but the revenue collected from RI's gas taxes goes to a general fund rather than a highway or even a transportation fund. IMHO, there's a chunk of the problem right there.
I think NJ may be the same
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 14, 2016, 09:53:26 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on January 13, 2016, 09:30:07 PM
I have never been to RI but I have seen comments on the poor state of RI roads.
I would think RI would have some of best roads in the country since it is so small, has a large city and presumably a good amount of gas taxes.
Any thoughts on this?
I'm not sure if such is still the case (it was during the 80s and earlier) but the revenue collected from RI's gas taxes goes to a general fund rather than a highway or even a transportation fund. IMHO, there's a chunk of the problem right there.
Sounds right to me. Also, the lottery here was supposed to fund education - never happened.
Quote from: dcbjms on January 14, 2016, 01:33:30 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 14, 2016, 09:53:26 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on January 13, 2016, 09:30:07 PM
I have never been to RI but I have seen comments on the poor state of RI roads.
I would think RI would have some of best roads in the country since it is so small, has a large city and presumably a good amount of gas taxes.
Any thoughts on this?
I'm not sure if such is still the case (it was during the 80s and earlier) but the revenue collected from RI's gas taxes goes to a general fund rather than a highway or even a transportation fund. IMHO, there's a chunk of the problem right there.
Sounds right to me. Also, the lottery here was supposed to fund education - never happened.
I'm actually surprised by this. What does the money go towards to, then? I know in other states that the claim that it goes towards schools is exaggerated, but at least some sort of decent percentage still goes towards education.
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 14, 2016, 09:53:26 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on January 13, 2016, 09:30:07 PM
I have never been to RI but I have seen comments on the poor state of RI roads.
I would think RI would have some of best roads in the country since it is so small, has a large city and presumably a good amount of gas taxes.
Any thoughts on this?
I'm not sure if such is still the case (it was during the 80s and earlier) but the revenue collected from RI's gas taxes goes to a general fund rather than a highway or even a transportation fund. IMHO, there's a chunk of the problem right there.
I heard once from a RIDOT official at a technical seminar that RI is the only state that relies
solely on gas tax revenue to fund highway and bridge projects.
Quote from: Rothman on January 15, 2016, 08:25:48 AM
Quote from: dcbjms on January 14, 2016, 01:33:30 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 14, 2016, 09:53:26 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on January 13, 2016, 09:30:07 PM
I have never been to RI but I have seen comments on the poor state of RI roads.
I would think RI would have some of best roads in the country since it is so small, has a large city and presumably a good amount of gas taxes.
Any thoughts on this?
I'm not sure if such is still the case (it was during the 80s and earlier) but the revenue collected from RI's gas taxes goes to a general fund rather than a highway or even a transportation fund. IMHO, there's a chunk of the problem right there.
Sounds right to me. Also, the lottery here was supposed to fund education - never happened.
I'm actually surprised by this. What does the money go towards to, then?
The general fund, naturally. :rolleyes:
Quote from: Rothman on January 15, 2016, 08:25:48 AM
I know in other states that the claim that it goes towards schools is exaggerated, but at least some sort of decent percentage still goes towards education.
One of these days, I hope someone on Smith Hill sees the light of day on this. Then again, I'm not hopeful, considering what we have.
But we do have some progress on that bridge project I mentioned last month, I think. They managed to get a lot of progress done, so by the time spring comes it just needs some minor fixes here and there before it's complete.
In many places the lottery does go to education; then they redirect the money that would have otherwise went to education to the general fund.
Quote from: vdeane on January 15, 2016, 11:12:26 PM
In many places the lottery does go to education; then they redirect the money that would have otherwise went to education to the general fund.
It's a tricky problem: if they directed too much money to education, people would become too smart to play the lottery.
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 14, 2016, 09:53:26 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on January 13, 2016, 09:30:07 PM
I have never been to RI but I have seen comments on the poor state of RI roads.
I would think RI would have some of best roads in the country since it is so small, has a large city and presumably a good amount of gas taxes.
Any thoughts on this?
I'm not sure if such is still the case (it was during the 80s and earlier) but the revenue collected from RI's gas taxes goes to a general fund rather than a highway or even a transportation fund. IMHO, there's a chunk of the problem right there.
You nailed the problem, all the money that is collected for "road and bridge repair" goes into the General Fund, where the lawmakers find other uses for it. This is Deja Vu all over again, we went through this before in 2013, see this thread about the Sakonet River Bridge tolls:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=7479.25
In the end, they took the gantries down (after only charging 10 cents per car) and increased the gas tax by 1% and increased emissions and registration fees to cover "bridge and road repairs" for the state, guess where that money ended up ... in the General Fund. So everyone's asking, what happened to the money that was supposed to be for "bridge and road repairs"?
I was on RI 99 the other day and I noticed that there was a sign replacement project in progress. There is new signage for the Sayles Hill Rd exit (even though Sayles Hill Rd is only acknowledged in a secondary BGS). They've removed the "To RI 126" shield and just stuck to "Lincoln/N. Smithfield." There's also a blank Exit "__" tab on the top of the sign. There's also new signage for the RI 122 terminus. Gone is the awful mixed-case "RI 122/Mendon Rd." sign and replaced with one with proper case. I hope Route 146 is next, which is in dire need of new signage.
Speaking of RI 146, heading southbound, RIDOT continues to shun Rte. 116 N/Rte. 246 S with proper BGS signage. Installed are two trailblazers...one is an advance trailblazer that correctly states 116 N/246 S. The trailblazer at the exit INCORRECTLY states Rte. 116 SOUTH and Rte. 246 SOUTH as a multiplex. :banghead: This error is on top of the error with the mileage markers on 146 S that go in ascending order instead of descending order. Rte 146 is RIDOT's red-headed stepchild!
Quote from: southshore720 on February 05, 2016, 11:38:11 AMSpeaking of RI 146, heading southbound, RIDOT continues to shun Rte. 116 N/Rte. 246 S with proper BGS signage. Installed are two trailblazers...one is an advance trailblazer that correctly states 116 N/246 S. The trailblazer at the exit INCORRECTLY states Rte. 116 SOUTH and Rte. 246 SOUTH as a multiplex. :banghead: This error is on top of the error with the mileage markers on 146 S that go in ascending order instead of descending order. Rte 146 is RIDOT's red-headed stepchild!
Because those who use Rte. 146 on a more or less consistent basis know where they're going. Personally, though, what 146 needs more is not new signage but a new repaving job.
And the SB side of that 146/116 interchange needs to be reconstructed badly. It is the oldest highway interchange in the state and while the NB side was reconfigured a couple years ago, the SB side as two very tight merges with no merge zone and no shoulder (think Merritt Parkway setup only if it had more traffic and trucks). That overpass needs to be replaced with something with shoulders and that continues the SB C/D road through the end if the interchange.
I'm glad you mentioned that, Beeper. Both my Mother and my friend have been rearended at the Rte 116 N on-ramp onto Rte 146 S. It continues to be in the State's Top 10 most dangerous intersections. They did work a couple of years ago to "lengthen" the merge lane, but the lengthening was mere inches. Not enough to remedy the problem whatsoever.
Quote from: Beeper1 on February 06, 2016, 11:52:42 AM
And the SB side of that 146/116 interchange needs to be reconstructed badly. It is the oldest highway interchange in the state and while the NB side was reconfigured a couple years ago, the SB side as two very tight merges with no merge zone and no shoulder (think Merritt Parkway setup only if it had more traffic and trucks). That overpass needs to be replaced with something with shoulders and that continues the SB C/D road through the end if the interchange.
Only if you also fix the interchanges with 295 and 99, which are all in the same area.
The biggest problem with the 99/295 part of this is also on the SB side. Any traffic going from 146 SB to 295 SB must cross three lanes of traffic coming from RI-99. At rush hour when all the traffic from the CVS industrial park is heading out, this can be extremely dangerous.
That being said, reconstruction at the 146/116 junction is far enough from 295 that they could be separate projects. Extend the SB C/D road to some point before the Wilbur Ave overpass. Widen/replace the overpass over 116 and completely change the way the connections to/from 116 NB and 246 are laid out. If the 246 connections is done right, you could also get rid of the sub-standard RIRO for it that exists a bit further south.
Quote from: spooky on January 15, 2016, 08:53:11 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 14, 2016, 09:53:26 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on January 13, 2016, 09:30:07 PM
I have never been to RI but I have seen comments on the poor state of RI roads.
I would think RI would have some of best roads in the country since it is so small, has a large city and presumably a good amount of gas taxes.
Any thoughts on this?
I'm not sure if such is still the case (it was during the 80s and earlier) but the revenue collected from RI's gas taxes goes to a general fund rather than a highway or even a transportation fund. IMHO, there's a chunk of the problem right there.
I heard once from a RIDOT official at a technical seminar that RI is the only state that relies solely on gas tax revenue to fund highway and bridge projects.
If that's the case, then RIDOT would be hurting for money, since as small as Rhode Island is, most travelers can make it through the state without having to stop and fill up. Delaware has a similar problem with motorists using I-95, which is only 12 miles long through the state, but carries most of the state's vehicle traffic. That's a big reason why I-95 through Delaware is a toll road. It would make sense to do the same in Rhode Island.
Is that also why I-95 is partially tolled in New Hampshire, as that's only 16 miles long? OK...the toll plaza is at Exit 2 in Hampton. One driving up from Massachusetts can get off of Exit 1 in Seabrook or ride between Exit 3 in Greenland up to Exit 7 in York, ME without paying a toll.
New Hampshire and Delaware both built the tolled sections of road in question prior to the creation of the interstate system and used the tolls to repay the construction bonds. The tolls remain despite the bonds being paid off for the same reason most tolls don't get removed - they found other uses for the revenue and continue to rely on it.
I-95 in Rhode Island is not tolled because it was built with federal interstate money and thus by law cannot be.
Quote from: Duke87 on February 11, 2016, 06:02:42 PM
New Hampshire and Delaware both built the tolled sections of road in question prior to the creation of the interstate system and used the tolls to repay the construction bonds. The tolls remain despite the bonds being paid off for the same reason most tolls don't get removed - they found other uses for the revenue and continue to rely on it.
Actually the Delaware Turnpike portion of I-95 opened in 1963; 7 years after the Interstate Highway Act was signed into law by President Eisenhower. Construction began in 1957.
Wiki Account of I-95 in Delaware & Delaware Turnpike (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_95_in_Delaware#Delaware_Turnpike)
Quote from: Wiki Account of Delaware Turnpike portion of I-95The corridor following FAI-1 and FAI-2 would become designated as part of I-95, an Interstate Highway running along the East Coast of the United States. FAI-1 was originally planned as a free Interstate Highway using federal funds; however, the road would not have been completed until 1967 under this plan. As a result, the state of Delaware financed the road with bond issues and would build it as a toll road called the Delaware Turnpike.
Quote from: Duke87 on February 11, 2016, 06:02:42 PM
I-95 in Rhode Island is not tolled because it was built with federal interstate money and thus by law cannot be.
The RI legislature is going to test how true that statement is today. Can't wait to see their toll plan get whacked by a federal court.
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on February 11, 2016, 04:25:26 PM
Is that also why I-95 is partially tolled in New Hampshire, as that's only 16 miles long? OK...the toll plaza is at Exit 2 in Hampton. One driving up from Massachusetts can get off of Exit 1 in Seabrook or ride between Exit 3 in Greenland up to Exit 7 in York, ME without paying a toll.
The longest, slowest bypass stretch is Exits 1 to 3. Be their guest.
Quote from: Alps on February 11, 2016, 09:52:35 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on February 11, 2016, 04:25:26 PM
Is that also why I-95 is partially tolled in New Hampshire, as that's only 16 miles long? OK...the toll plaza is at Exit 2 in Hampton. One driving up from Massachusetts can get off of Exit 1 in Seabrook or ride between Exit 3 in Greenland up to Exit 7 in York, ME without paying a toll.
The longest, slowest bypass stretch is Exits 1 to 3. Be their guest.
Put it this way: Google calls the bypass 15 minutes longer. The toll is $2. Add in the extra gas and you're valuing your time at about Federal minimum wage.
In distance alone, by IRS standards, you're adding $1.16 to the cost of your trip so that you can save $2, which is actually therefore 84¢ saved. There's more than that in my couch.
Quote from: SectorZ on February 11, 2016, 06:36:29 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on February 11, 2016, 06:02:42 PM
I-95 in Rhode Island is not tolled because it was built with federal interstate money and thus by law cannot be.
The RI legislature is going to test how true that statement is today. Can't wait to see their toll plan get whacked by a federal court.
Gov. Raimondo signed the bill into law yesterday (2/11).
http://tollroadsnews.com/news/daily-news-briefs-february-12-2016#1
Quote from: SidS1045 on February 12, 2016, 03:56:29 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on February 11, 2016, 06:36:29 PM
Quote from: Duke87 on February 11, 2016, 06:02:42 PM
I-95 in Rhode Island is not tolled because it was built with federal interstate money and thus by law cannot be.
The RI legislature is going to test how true that statement is today. Can't wait to see their toll plan get whacked by a federal court.
Gov. Raimondo signed the bill into law yesterday (2/11).
http://tollroadsnews.com/news/daily-news-briefs-february-12-2016#1
However, the FHWA hasn't yet given RI its blessing on this proposal.
Feds Haven't Signed Off on Truck Tolls (http://warwickonline.com/stories/feds-havent-signed-off-on-truck-tolls,109290)
Quote from: Warwick OnLineThe Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has not signed off on Gov. Gina Raimondo's legislation to toll Class 8 trucks as a means of financing repairs to the state deteriorating bridges.
In fact, according to FHWA spokeswoman Nancy Singer, the state has not answered questions raised by the department last May when Raimondo first proposed financing a $600-million plan by tolling larger trucks. That plan, which passed the Senate but didn't come up for a House vote before the session adjourned, has been revised as a result of an increase in federal funding.
...
But questions persist, including whether the plan to erect toll gantries on interstate highways will gain the blessing of the FHWA.
Singer couldn't answer that question yesterday.
In short, it's not a done deal yet.
That'd be a hell of a Rhode Island bypass: I-95 North to I-395 North to I-90 East...which only really works if one's business is in greater Worcester.
Quote
The RI legislature is going to test how true that statement is today. Can't wait to see their toll plan get whacked by a federal court.
I had started a topic on the General Highway Forum regarding tolling "free interstates" to try to gain more light on the subject:
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=17430.msg2125712#msg2125712
It was suggested to look at the FHWA website and from what I've read, the MAP-21 (Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century) Act of 2012 removed the requirement that States had to enter a tolling agreement with FHWA prior to imposing tolls. Also under 23 U.S.C. 129, it now states an existing toll-free bridge or tunnel on a toll free highway can be converted into a toll facility if it is reconstructed or replaced (That's the reason why the 14 Gantry locations are on bridges or overpasses).
As I stated in the other thread, while I see where they found the statue that allows R.I to toll, my theory is they may get shot down trying to use the tolls to repair all the deficient bridges in the State. I think they will only be able to use the funds on the bridges that the gantries are erected on.
The other question that hasn't been answered is are they allowed to toll only one class of vehicle? I've heard of multi-tiered toll amounts for different class vehicles, but I never heard of a case of one class of vehicle being tolled whereas all other classes get a free pass.
Quote from: doogie1303 on February 17, 2016, 08:39:13 PMThe other question that hasn't been answered is are they allowed to toll only one class of vehicle? I've heard of multi-tiered toll amounts for different class vehicles, but I never heard of a case of one class of vehicle being tolled whereas all other classes get a free pass.
Along the NYS Thruway (I-87/287), north/west of the Garden State Parkway exit (Exit 14A), there is one gantry/plaza along the northbound lanes (Spring Valley Plaza) that only charges tolls for trucks, busses & trailers but not for passenger vehicles.
Approach signage for Spring Valley Plaza (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0972411,-74.0496698,3a,75y,295.7h,82.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s37BEHa4hEs7GJjYGxRMauA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
NYS Thruway toll schedule for Spring Valley and Tappan Zee Bridge (http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/tolls/schedules/incentivetolls.html)
Quote from: From Above-Schedule in small printNo tolls are collected from Class 2L vehicles or 2 axle Motorhomes with the Motorhome plan at the Spring Valley Toll Barrier.
Long story short, there can be a precedent for such tiered-tolling.
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 18, 2016, 09:25:16 AM
Quote from: doogie1303 on February 17, 2016, 08:39:13 PMThe other question that hasn't been answered is are they allowed to toll only one class of vehicle? I've heard of multi-tiered toll amounts for different class vehicles, but I never heard of a case of one class of vehicle being tolled whereas all other classes get a free pass.
Along the NYS Thruway (I-87/287), north/west of the Garden State Parkway exit (Exit 14A), there is one gantry/plaza along the northbound lanes (Spring Valley Plaza) that only charges tolls for trucks, busses & trailers but not for passenger vehicles.
Approach signage for Spring Valley Plaza (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0972411,-74.0496698,3a,75y,295.7h,82.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s37BEHa4hEs7GJjYGxRMauA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
NYS Thruway toll schedule for Spring Valley and Tappan Zee Bridge (http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/tolls/schedules/incentivetolls.html)
Quote from: From Above-Schedule in small printNo tolls are collected from Class 2L vehicles or 2 axle Motorhomes with the Motorhome plan at the Spring Valley Toll Barrier.
Long story short, there can be a precedent for such tiered-tolling.
I do remember the toll plaza on the New York Thruway that only charges trucks/trailers. It was between the Tappan Zee Bridge and the split for I-87 North/287 South (into N.J.). That's a nice memory jogger.
Along the NYS Thruway (I-87/287), north/west of the Garden State Parkway exit (Exit 14A), there is one gantry/plaza along the northbound lanes (Spring Valley Plaza) that only charges tolls for trucks, busses & trailers but not for passenger vehicles.
Approach signage for Spring Valley Plaza (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0972411,-74.0496698,3a,75y,295.7h,82.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s37BEHa4hEs7GJjYGxRMauA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
NYS Thruway toll schedule for Spring Valley and Tappan Zee Bridge (http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/tolls/schedules/incentivetolls.html)
Quote from: From Above-Schedule in small printNo tolls are collected from Class 2L vehicles or 2 axle Motorhomes with the Motorhome plan at the Spring Valley Toll Barrier.
Long story short, there can be a precedent for such tiered-tolling.
[/quote]
Random question, but what would be to stop a truck without ezpass from going through the gantry?
Quote from: NoGoodNamesAvailable on February 26, 2016, 05:45:56 PM
Along the NYS Thruway (I-87/287), north/west of the Garden State Parkway exit (Exit 14A), there is one gantry/plaza along the northbound lanes (Spring Valley Plaza) that only charges tolls for trucks, busses & trailers but not for passenger vehicles.
Approach signage for Spring Valley Plaza (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0972411,-74.0496698,3a,75y,295.7h,82.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s37BEHa4hEs7GJjYGxRMauA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
NYS Thruway toll schedule for Spring Valley and Tappan Zee Bridge (http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/tolls/schedules/incentivetolls.html)
Quote from: From Above-Schedule in small printNo tolls are collected from Class 2L vehicles or 2 axle Motorhomes with the Motorhome plan at the Spring Valley Toll Barrier.
Long story short, there can be a precedent for such tiered-tolling.
Quote from: NoGoodNamesAvailable on February 26, 2016, 05:46:29 PM
Quote from: NoGoodNamesAvailable on February 26, 2016, 05:45:56 PM
Along the NYS Thruway (I-87/287), north/west of the Garden State Parkway exit (Exit 14A), there is one gantry/plaza along the northbound lanes (Spring Valley Plaza) that only charges tolls for trucks, busses & trailers but not for passenger vehicles.
Approach signage for Spring Valley Plaza (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.0972411,-74.0496698,3a,75y,295.7h,82.29t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s37BEHa4hEs7GJjYGxRMauA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
NYS Thruway toll schedule for Spring Valley and Tappan Zee Bridge (http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/tolls/schedules/incentivetolls.html)
Quote from: From Above-Schedule in small printNo tolls are collected from Class 2L vehicles or 2 axle Motorhomes with the Motorhome plan at the Spring Valley Toll Barrier.
Long story short, there can be a precedent for such tiered-tolling.
Random question: what would stop a truck without ezpass from going through the gantry?
Quote from: NoGoodNamesAvailable on February 26, 2016, 05:47:39 PMRandom question: what would stop a truck without ezpass from going through the gantry?
Cameras mounted on the gantry would take a photograph of the truck's license plate.
It appears RIDOT, unlike MassDOT, is able to admit its plans for their exit number conversion project. Link to article by Providence TV station:
http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/ (http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/)
we down to just Delaware, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York, something tells me New York is going to be the last one to change over.
Sounds like all interchanges are going to be numbered on several roads that currently have no exit numbers. RI-99, RI-146, RI-403, US-6
Quote from: bob7374 on March 29, 2016, 10:28:00 PM
It appears RIDOT, unlike MassDOT, is able to admit its plans for their exit number conversion project. Link to article by Providence TV station:
http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/ (http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/)
Will the Henderson Expy stub get exit numbers? haha
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/600/22507094804_14000ba8c9_c.jpg)
Quote from: mariethefoxy on March 29, 2016, 10:34:40 PM
we down to just Delaware, New Hampshire, Vermont, the New Jersey Turnpike and New York, something tells me New York is going to be the last one to change over.
FTFY.
Quote from: mariethefoxy on March 29, 2016, 10:34:40 PM
we down to just Delaware, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York, something tells me New York is going to be the last one to change over.
With Delaware, will they be converting the kilometer-post system on DE 1 to use miles?
Quote from: bob7374 on March 29, 2016, 10:28:00 PM
It appears RIDOT, unlike MassDOT, is able to admit its plans for their exit number conversion project. Link to article by Providence TV station:
http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/ (http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/)
Looks like the FHWA is telling the remaining sequential numbering hold-outs to "get it done." Wonder how long it will be until Vermont and New Hampshire announce their plans to convert to mile-based exit numbering, and I'm also curious as to whether the FHWA will make Connecticut speed up its 20-year timetable to complete its renumbering. Lawmakers in New York have been fighting over exit renumbering for nearly the past decade, and I don't see that being settled anytime soon. So New York may be the "last man standing" when it comes to sequential exit numbering.
California may be the last when it comes to getting mile-based numbers up :D
Quote from: NE2 on March 30, 2016, 11:09:13 AM
California may be the last when it comes to getting mile-based numbers up :D
It's been 5 years since the last time I was in California, but they're making steady progress on adding exit number tabs to their freeways. My recollection was that I-5 from Sacramento to the Oregon border and all of I-80 from the Nevada line to San Francisco all had exit numbers. New signs had the exit number within the sign, while a new exit number tab was added to older signs on these routes. Not sure how progress is going on other routs in California.
Quote from: dgolub on March 30, 2016, 09:02:28 AM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on March 29, 2016, 10:34:40 PM
we down to just Delaware, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York, something tells me New York is going to be the last one to change over.
With Delaware, will they be converting the kilometer-post system on DE 1 to use miles?
It's worth noting (and yes, this is a tad off-topic) but in DE 1's earliest days; the interchange numbers (those that existed back then) were indeed originally mile-marker-based; Exit 161 was originally Exit 100.
Quote from: NE2 on March 30, 2016, 11:09:13 AM
California may be the last when it comes to getting mile-based numbers up :D
There are mileage based numbers at most of California's interstate interchanges. This at the same time that California does not keep track of mileage, so they are not official numbers, just estimates.
Quote from: bob7374 on March 29, 2016, 10:28:00 PM
It appears RIDOT, unlike MassDOT, is able to admit its plans for their exit number conversion project. Link to article by Providence TV station:
http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/ (http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/)
The news report stated RIDOT hadn't yet supplied a list of the new exit numbers, but since the RIDOT website has a list of interstate exits that include the closest milepost, I don't think it would be too hard to come up with a probable list. So here's mine for I-95, I-195 and I-295 based on RIDOT's exit lists:
I-95
Exit 1 RI 3 stays Exit 1
Exit 2 Alton Rd becomes Exit 5
Exits 3A/B RI 138 become Exits 8A/B
Exit 4 RI 3 (NB) becomes Exit 10
Exits 5A/B RI 102 becomes Exits 14A/B
Exit 6 RI 3 becomes Exit 19
Exit 6A Hopkins Hill Rd becomes Exit 20
Exit 7 New London Turnpike becomes Exit 22
Exits 8A/B RI 2 become Exits 24A/B
Exit 9 RI 4 (SB) becomes Exit 25
Exits 10A/B RI 117 become Exits 27A/B
Exit 11 I-295 (NB) becomes Exit 28 as does Exit 12 (SB) RI 113 to I-295 North
Exit 13 for the TF Green Airport becomes Exit 30
Exit 14 RI 37 becomes Exit 31
Exit 15 Jefferson Blvd. becomes Exit 32
Exit 16 RI 10 becomes Exit 33
Exit 17 US 1/Elmwood Ave (SB) becomes Exit 34 (this is fudged both 16 and 17 are at Mile 34 according to RIDOT)
Exit 18 US 1A/Thurbers Ave. becomes Exit 35
Exit 19 I-195 East (NB) becomes Exit 36 as does Exit 10 Eddy St. (SB)
Exit 20 Point St (NB) and I-195 East (SB) become Exit 37A
Exit 21 Broadway/Atwells Ave becomes Exit 37B
Exit 23 RI 146 (NB) and RI 7 (SB) become Exit 38
Exit 24 Branch Ave. becomes Exit 39
Exit 25 US 1/RI 126 becomes Exit 40
Exit 26 RI 122 becomes Exit 41
Exit 27 George St becomes Exit 42 (42A NB)
Exit 28 RI 114 (NB) becomes Exit 42B
Exit 29 US 1/Broadway becomes Exit 43A
Exit 30 Roosevelt Ave. becomes Exit 43B
I-195
Exit 1A Point St (WB)stays Exit 1A
Exit 1B Eddy St., (WB) stays Exit 1B
Exit 1 India St./Gano St. (EB) stays Exit 1
Exit 2 South Main St. (WB) becomes Exit 1C
Exit 3 Gano St., India Point (WB) becomes Exit 2A
Exit 4 U.S. Rte. 44/Taunton Ave. (EB) becomes Exit 2A
Exit 5 RI 103/Warren Ave. becomes Exit 2B
Exit 6 RI 103/Broadway, becomes Exit 3
Exit 7 RI 114 (EB) becomes Exit 4
Exit 8 US 6, US 1A, RI 114 (WB) becomes Exit 4
I-295
(I-95 not listed as an exit)
Exit 1 RI 113 becomes Exit 1A
Exit 2 RI 2 becomes Exit 1B
Exit 3 RI 37 (To RI 2) Stays Exit 3
Exit 4 RI 14 becomes Exit 5
Exit 5 Scituate Ave. becomes Exit 8
Exit 6 US 6 East becomes Exit 10A
Exit 6C US 6 West, US 6A East becomes Exit 10B
Exits 7A/B US 44 become Exits 13A/B
Exits 8A/B RI 7 become Exits 16A/B
Exits 9A/B RI 146 become Exits 19A/B
Exit 10 RI 122 becomes Exit 21
Exit 11 RI 114 becomes Exit 22
What happened to Exit 22 in your above I-95 exit list? (US 6 West/RI 10 South/Mall)
Quote from: abqtraveler on March 30, 2016, 10:18:06 AM
So New York may be the "last man standing" when it comes to sequential exit numbering.
My gut reaction is that, despite glimpses to the contrary (every now and then, NY produces a policy document that mentions it, but nothing ever happens), NY will proudly be the last state standing in this regard for quite a while to come.
Then again, I wonder if the "We're the only stupid state out there that doesn't have them" argument would persuade anyone to spend the money and deal with the push-back from businesses (if any...this is what everyone puts out there as one of the boogeymen to keep the conversion from happening here, other than "we have more important things to spend our money on"...except NYSDOT has a hard time spending its HSIP money and MassDOT certainly used that for their project!).
Quote from: Rothman on March 31, 2016, 09:35:12 AMThen again, I wonder if the "We're the only stupid state out there that doesn't have them" argument would persuade anyone to spend the money and deal with the push-back from businesses (if any...this is what everyone puts out there as one of the boogeymen to keep the conversion from happening here, other than "we have more important things to spend our money on"...except NYSDOT has a hard time spending its HSIP money and MassDOT certainly used that for their project!).
Many businesses went through a similar
change issue when new area codes (mainly geographic splits) sprouted left and right during the 1980s & 90s. Same old-same old IMHO.
On the surface, the biggest issue regarding the use of mile-marker based interchange numbers (with the Interstate route numbers given priority as opposed to a particular (toll) facility) is how would one number the interchanges along the NYS Thruway? At present, the sequential interchange numbers and mile markers start near NYC. While such is MUTCD compliant (pre-2009) along the I-87 stretch; it's the reverse/opposite along the I-90 stretch. If the numbers along the facility take priority; the wrong-way numbering scenario would still exist along the I-90 portion of the Thruway. OTOH, if the Interstate numbering takes precedence; the possibility of having duplicate sets of
Exit(s) XX along the Thruway in the future is possible.
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 31, 2016, 10:36:04 AM
Quote from: Rothman on March 31, 2016, 09:35:12 AMThen again, I wonder if the "We're the only stupid state out there that doesn't have them" argument would persuade anyone to spend the money and deal with the push-back from businesses (if any...this is what everyone puts out there as one of the boogeymen to keep the conversion from happening here, other than "we have more important things to spend our money on"...except NYSDOT has a hard time spending its HSIP money and MassDOT certainly used that for their project!).
Many businesses went through a similar change issue when new area codes (mainly geographic splits) sprouted left and right during the 1980s & 90s. Same old-same old IMHO.
On the surface, the biggest issue regarding the use of mile-marker based interchange numbers (with the Interstate route numbers given priority as opposed to a particular (toll) facility) is how would one number the interchanges along the NYS Thruway? At present, the sequential interchange numbers and mile markers start near NYC. While such is MUTCD compliant (pre-2009) along the I-87 stretch; it's the reverse/opposite along the I-90 stretch. If the numbers along the facility take priority; the wrong-way numbering scenario would still exist along the I-90 portion of the Thruway. OTOH, if the Interstate numbering takes precedence; the possibility of having duplicate sets of Exit(s) XX along the Thruway in the future is possible.
Don't mile markers and exit numbers reset on I-87 once you leave NYC and enter the Thruway proper? I believe I-87 has three different Mile 0 points along its length - one in NYC, one at the entrance to Westchester County, and one at the beginning of the Northway.
If NYSDOT were to adopt mileage-based exit numbering, IMHO they would maintain it along their current mile marker reference system.
If NYSDOT was going to do that, we would have already done it by now. The Thruway and NYC are basically the reasons why we haven't covered already.
There was a plan to convert a while ago that would have flipped the mileage on the Thruway and changed the free 90 and Northway mileage to have one set of exit numbers on I-90 and a continuous set on I-87 on the Deegan and Northway (with the Thruway's flipped numbers taking over on that section).
Quote from: spooky on March 31, 2016, 11:13:29 AM
Since this is a RI thread; I'll PM you my reply regarding NY's exit numbering.
But still, the preventing of everyone else to see the reply just because some people are anal about thread content irks me.
Looks like the I-95 NB rest area in Richmond is back open...
http://www.ri.gov/press/view/28446
Sounds like they just re-opened the parking lots and not the actual rest area/welcome center facilities.
What is this other $9 mil Welcome Center/Transit Hub project they refer to? Will it also be on I-95?
Quote from: Beeper1 on September 01, 2016, 05:24:21 PM
Sounds like they just re-opened the parking lots and not the actual rest area/welcome center facilities.
From what I gather from the articles I've seen, they're still working on the building and plan to reopen it, at least for restrooms. Temporary restrooms will be available in the parking lot until the building is reopened.
Quote from: Beeper1 on September 01, 2016, 05:24:21 PM
What is this other $9 mil Welcome Center/Transit Hub project they refer to? Will it also be on I-95?
An off-highway facility at Exit 1. If its off-highway, they can incorporate commercial entities (ie - food service).
Meanwhile, in a bid to be more transparent about infrastructure (because of our long-standing issues on this front), signs have been posted next to recent projects indicating if the project is within schedule and budget or not. Pretty neat, IMO.
IMO, the signs are a complete waste of taxpayer money, it just makes the bureaucrats and politicians feel good. No one is ever going to update them to say anything other than "on time and budget", because then they would be admitting fault. I would love to know how much money was wasted buying and erecting those signs.
Quote from: doogie1303 on September 05, 2016, 09:28:29 AM
IMO, the signs are a complete waste of taxpayer money, it just makes the bureaucrats and politicians feel good. No one is ever going to update them to say anything other than "on time and budget", because then they would be admitting fault. I would love to know how much money was wasted buying and erecting those signs.
That's true, to a considerable extent. However, I have seen signs where a certain project has been late by several months, so in that case it works. Though I see what you mean - i.e. the recent work done in Apponaug (which Jim Hummel exposed a while back in an article for
Motif magazine), for example.
Update: FHWA has officially approved RI's plan to charge tolls for trucks using their highways.
Federal Highway Administration greenlights RI truck tolls (http://turnto10.com/news/local/federal-highway-administration-greenlights-ri-truck-tolls)
Quote from: Channel 10 ArticleState Department of Transportation officials announced Wednesday that a plan to toll only tractor-trailer trucks at 13 different locations was approved by the federal government, making Rhode Island the first in the nation to single out truckers to pay up.
"Many other states are interested in what's going on here in Rhode Island," DOT Director Peter Alviti said.
The state wants to use the money to fix hundreds of structurally deficient bridges. At 25 percent, Rhode Island's bridges are ranked worst in the nation.
...
But truckers are angry, saying they've been unfairly singled out of the millions of vehicles that travel state roads.
Chris Maxwell, the head of the Rhode Island Trucking Association, said his group and others are ready for a fight.
"There will be lawsuits filed. There will be challenges from multiple entities on several fronts," Maxwell said.
Truckers say if they don't succeed in the courtroom, they will on the roads, bypassing the state or perhaps boycotting it all together.
...
Trucking officials also provided NBC 10 News with a DOT memo apparently written to the town of West Warwick that singles out where truckers might drive to avoid the tolls. It calls for signs banning them from secondary roads and asking local and state police to issue fines.
"There's letters going around from the DOT going to towns, talking about stopping trucks on through traffic," Collins said. "What are these? Gestapo tactics?"
Truckers also claim the new tolls will raise prices for local businesses and consumers. They proposed an increase in state's gas tax. The plan was rejected.
A 14th toll gantry along I-95 is also planned but...
RIDOT: "˜Indian burial ground' beneath proposed toll location delays federal sign-offQuote from: WPRI 12 News ArticlePROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has successfully obtained federal approval for 13 planned truck tolls in the state, but a 14th is yet to be approved pending an expected agreement with the Narragansett Indian Tribe over ancient burial grounds, RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said Wednesday.
If at first you don't succeed, try try again!
http://wpri.com/2016/10/21/providence-i-95-traffic-pattern-change-put-off-until-sunday/
Note the graphic in the article that says "Route 95" instead of "I-95." Never understood why Rhode Islanders like to put "route" in front of every signed route, regardless if it's an interstate or not.
Quote from: zzyzx on October 21, 2016, 03:36:51 PM
Note the graphic in the article that says "Route 95" instead of "I-95." Never understood why Rhode Islanders like to put "route" in front of every signed route, regardless if it's an interstate or not.
People from other states, particularly those in the northeast, do similar; so such is not
just a Rhode Island thing.
Quote from: zzyzx on October 21, 2016, 03:36:51 PM
Note the graphic in the article that says "Route 95" instead of "I-95." Never understood why Rhode Islanders like to put "route" in front of every signed route, regardless if it's an interstate or not.
Ever been to Jersey? Route is how NJDOT officially refers to every numbered road, from interstates down to county roads.
Quote from: storm2k on October 21, 2016, 10:16:00 PM
Quote from: zzyzx on October 21, 2016, 03:36:51 PM
Note the graphic in the article that says "Route 95" instead of "I-95." Never understood why Rhode Islanders like to put "route" in front of every signed route, regardless if it's an interstate or not.
Ever been to Jersey? Route is how NJDOT officially refers to every numbered road, from interstates down to county roads.
Works great in all these states up here where there's no route number duplication. Leads to oddities, though, like "Route 3" covering 495 for old-timers, or "Covered Roadway" for Route 139 where there's not really much in the way of route number signage. I feel like some of this can be explained by "Route" almost being a road name instead of a number to people here. Case in point - people will either call a road by a name or a number, never both. In the north, NJ 161 is Clifton Avenue, never Route 161. NJ 20 is Route 20, never MacLean Boulevard.
Quote from: Alps on October 22, 2016, 12:05:24 AM
Quote from: storm2k on October 21, 2016, 10:16:00 PM
Quote from: zzyzx on October 21, 2016, 03:36:51 PM
Note the graphic in the article that says "Route 95" instead of "I-95." Never understood why Rhode Islanders like to put "route" in front of every signed route, regardless if it's an interstate or not.
Ever been to Jersey? Route is how NJDOT officially refers to every numbered road, from interstates down to county roads.
Works great in all these states up here where there's no route number duplication. Leads to oddities, though, like "Route 3" covering 495 for old-timers, or "Covered Roadway" for Route 139 where there's not really much in the way of route number signage. I feel like some of this can be explained by "Route" almost being a road name instead of a number to people here. Case in point - people will either call a road by a name or a number, never both. In the north, NJ 161 is Clifton Avenue, never Route 161. NJ 20 is Route 20, never MacLean Boulevard.
Yeah, that crap doesn't work here in New York. Duplication is everywhere. Even a few of the US routes have a state route duplicate somewhere that isn't a suffix. Internally, US 2 is NY 2U, but all reference markers say "2". Of course, that means you need to know the region number to differentiate NY 2 and US 2 reference markers.
And yet we still call everything "Route X" anyways. In any case, with the exception of I-90 and NY 90 (which don't have an interchange, and I-90 is "the Thruway" across almost all of the state anyways), the duplicates aren't anywhere near each other.
NY 2 and US 2 are the only instance of US/state route duplication in NY. Not a big deal since US 2 in NY is less than a mile long. There is also a NY 95 over 350 miles from I-95. 3DI's often continue as state routes of the same number. I only call US and state routes "Route". Interstates are always "I-xx"" or just the number.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on October 22, 2016, 05:46:03 PM
NY 2 and US 2 are the only instance of US/state route duplication in NY. Not a big deal since US 2 in NY is less than a mile long. There is also a NY 95 over 350 miles from I-95. 3DI's often continue as state routes of the same number. I only call US and state routes "Route". Interstates are always "I-xx"" or just the number.
US/NY 15. Granted, the latter is a demoted stretch of the former, but two separate routes nonetheless.
Quote from: cl94 on October 22, 2016, 06:12:01 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on October 22, 2016, 05:46:03 PM
NY 2 and US 2 are the only instance of US/state route duplication in NY. Not a big deal since US 2 in NY is less than a mile long. There is also a NY 95 over 350 miles from I-95. 3DI's often continue as state routes of the same number. I only call US and state routes "Route". Interstates are always "I-xx"" or just the number.
US/NY 15. Granted, the latter is a demoted stretch of the former, but two separate routes nonetheless.
US 15 was truncated to the PA border in 2014 when I-99 was signed, so no longer the case.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on October 22, 2016, 07:33:46 PM
Quote from: cl94 on October 22, 2016, 06:12:01 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on October 22, 2016, 05:46:03 PM
NY 2 and US 2 are the only instance of US/state route duplication in NY. Not a big deal since US 2 in NY is less than a mile long. There is also a NY 95 over 350 miles from I-95. 3DI's often continue as state routes of the same number. I only call US and state routes "Route". Interstates are always "I-xx"" or just the number.
US/NY 15. Granted, the latter is a demoted stretch of the former, but two separate routes nonetheless.
US 15 was truncated to the PA border in 2014 when I-99 was signed, so no longer the case.
Technically, yes. But it was still signed the last time I was through there in the spring.
Did AASHTO approve the truncation, or is this a case of "NYSDOT considers it gone but it officially still exists" (a la I-878)?
Don't forget US 220/NY 220. Yes, US 220 enters NY. Barely. It ends at old NY 17, and I'm pretty sure NYSDOT doesn't acknowledge it existing.
Quote from: vdeane on October 23, 2016, 06:12:02 PM
Did AASHTO approve the truncation, or is this a case of "NYSDOT considers it gone but it officially still exists" (a la I-878)?
According to the AASHTO Route Number Database (http://nchrp20-7-228.com/USRoute.aspx), it still ends at NY 17. I have no idea how often it is updated.
I could just imagine that Providence construction coinciding with the bridge replacement a few years back in Pawtucket! Now if both of those projects were at the same time! At least the west end of I-195 was already finished, too!
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on October 24, 2016, 12:46:18 AM
I could just imagine that Providence construction coinciding with the bridge replacement a few years back in Pawtucket! Now if both of those projects were at the same time! At least the west end of I-195 was already finished, too!
Thank you for bringing us back on topic!
I can understand why there was so much confusion/back-up. There are still people traveling on I-95 South still expecting a left-exit on I-195 East (despite all the signage)! You can tell with the last minute "dart-overs" to the right. Also, RIDOT never fixed the Exit 20 off-ramp sign for I-195 East like they promised years ago. No right arrow or "exit only" banner...simply states "RIGHT LANES."
Back in March it was reported that RIDOT was set to renumber all of its highway exits with milepost based numbers:
http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/ (http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/)
Nothing has been heard about this project since and rumor has it that the state, like Mass., has reconsidered changing numbers at the current time. To see if I could confirm this, I took a trip through RI on Saturday targeting the highways without exit numbers that, according to the article, were to have numbers added in 2015/16, in particular RI 99 and RI 403, and other routes, RI 4 and the Airport Connector, that the report indicated the numbers may be changed. I saw nothing along any of these routes that would suggest a project was in the works to change numbers.
RIDOT is set to award the first contract of a project to replace the exit signs along RI 146 in early 2017. These signs were to include exit numbers, not on the current signs. The type of numbers used will confirm whether RIDOT is, or is not, proceeding with their exit number conversion project.
RI 146 is in dire need of overhaul. I look forward to proper exit numbers and better signage. They also need to replace the light towers in Providence and Lincoln...they're either entirely missing or broken. Also, I don't believe that they've corrected the mile markers going Southbound that go in ascending order, not descending. They did FINALLY correct the sign assembly at RI 116 North/RI 246 South that incorrectly indicated the separate routes as a dual route. This off-ramp has never had proper signage and I'm glad the sign update will finally correct that. I wonder if the contractor will issue a "preview" of what the signs will look like...
Quote from: southshore720 on November 14, 2016, 12:00:21 PM
RI 146 is in dire need of overhaul. I look forward to proper exit numbers and better signage. They also need to replace the light towers in Providence and Lincoln...they're either entirely missing or broken. Also, I don't believe that they've corrected the mile markers going Southbound that go in ascending order, not descending. They did FINALLY correct the sign assembly at RI 116 North/RI 246 South that incorrectly indicated the separate routes as a dual route. This off-ramp has never had proper signage and I'm glad the sign update will finally correct that. I wonder if the contractor will issue a "preview" of what the signs will look like...
RIDOT has this site where it posts draft contract plans, something to keep checking over the next few months:
http://www.dot.ri.gov/business/draftplans.php (http://www.dot.ri.gov/business/draftplans.php)
Knowing RI, they'll number the NB exits staring at I-95 and increasing heading north, and number the SB exits starting at the MA line and increasing heading south. 'cuz that's how they roll.
Quote from: Beeper1 on November 14, 2016, 05:54:43 PM
Knowing RI, they'll number the NB exits staring at I-95 and increasing heading north, and number the SB exits starting at the MA line and increasing heading south. 'cuz that's how they roll.
Or start at Exit 3... (Westerly)
Some new signage on I-95 South as part of the Viaduct Reconstruction. They're really going APL crazy on the Exit 22 off ramp. 22A-B-C has it's first large APL display, followed behind by APL for 22A-B after C splits off. New signage for Exit 21 (Atwells Ave) as well. Due to the split lane confusion from the earlier move to the new span, some of the approach BGS' on the I-95 mainline have temporary orange shield/direction patch jobs.
The biggest "THANK YOU!!" was the removal of the ancient, decrepit BGS that was orphaned on the Admiral St. bridge on Rte 146 South. The mileage corresponded to Exits 21 and 20 before the 1988 6/10 Connector project. The I-195 shield had been missing for about 25 years on the sign and never replaced. It was horrible to look at and I'm so happy it's history!
Quote from: southshore720 on November 28, 2016, 09:54:50 PM
The biggest "THANK YOU!!" was the removal of the ancient, decrepit BGS that was orphaned on the Admiral St. bridge on Rte 146 South. The mileage corresponded to Exits 21 and 20 before the 1988 6/10 Connector project. The I-195 shield had been missing for about 25 years on the sign and never replaced. It was horrible to look at and I'm so happy it's history!
This?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpsroads.net%2Froads%2Fri%2Fri_146%2Fsdist.jpg&hash=3decd82e922eddc9951949673a13011c9275665e)
Quote from: Alps on November 28, 2016, 10:58:08 PM
This?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpsroads.net%2Froads%2Fri%2Fri_146%2Fsdist.jpg&hash=3decd82e922eddc9951949673a13011c9275665e)
Yes! I just recoiled in horror looking at it again. :-o
http://www.centralctcommunications.com/newbritainherald/article_b9a6faec-c267-11e6-960c-7f04163ef346.html
Basically about a construction company in central Connecticut and their involvement with a big I-95 project in downtown Providence. I don't see where the writer is getting a distance of 110 miles from Plainville. CT though!
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on December 15, 2016, 08:50:05 PM
http://www.centralctcommunications.com/newbritainherald/article_b9a6faec-c267-11e6-960c-7f04163ef346.html
Basically about a construction company in central Connecticut and their involvement with a big I-95 project in downtown Providence. I don't see where the writer is getting a distance of 110 miles from Plainville. CT though!
Has to be by taking the shoreline route (CT 9 to I-95 North)
Start with CT Route 72 East from Plainville to it's junction (end) at CT Route 9. I know that on CT Route 9, Exit 25 for Ellis Street in New Britain is very close to MM 35. (Maybe about 4 miles + 35 = 39?) :hmmm:
Roughly 33 miles from Exit 69 in Old Saybrook to the RI border on I-95 (72 miles...).
Then add about 37.5 miles from the RI border to the Providence Place Mall area...110 miles at the absolute most.
OK...so they might be right after all! :-|
(_8(I) - D'oh!
Quote from: shadyjay on September 01, 2016, 06:23:00 PM
Quote from: Beeper1 on September 01, 2016, 05:24:21 PM
Sounds like they just re-opened the parking lots and not the actual rest area/welcome center facilities.
From what I gather from the articles I've seen, they're still working on the building and plan to reopen it, at least for restrooms. Temporary restrooms will be available in the parking lot until the building is reopened.
Quote from: Beeper1 on September 01, 2016, 05:24:21 PM
What is this other $9 mil Welcome Center/Transit Hub project they refer to? Will it also be on I-95?
An off-highway facility at Exit 1. If its off-highway, they can incorporate commercial entities (ie - food service).
Do you mean Exit 2? Something is being built there.
Any update on Rhode Island going to mile-based exit numbers. My understanding is RIDOT was supposed to start with unnumbered freeways either last year or this year and complete the conversion in four phases by 2019.
Looks like there won't be a Travel Plaza/Welcome Center built off Exit 1 in Hopkinton. They're gonna use the $3 mil already set aside for improvements to the existing (reopened last year) rest area in Richmond (between Exits 2 & 3).
http://www.thewesterlysun.com/news/richmondhopkinton/10122588-154/state-kills-welcome-center-and-transit-hub-plan-some-money.html#gallery-1
There are already decent food/gas options at Exit 93 in Clarks Falls and Exits 3A/3B in Richmond. I frequently use Exits 3A/3B as my rest stop when I drive from MA to CT. I think any rest area installed above and beyond that would've been overkill. I'm glad they reopened the Richmond Rest Stop. That will be good for the truckers.
Speaking of rest stops, whatever happened to the idea of building a companion rest area on SB I-295 in Lincoln across from the NB service area?
Quote from: abqtraveler on February 04, 2017, 12:03:23 PM
Any update on Rhode Island going to mile-based exit numbers. My understanding is RIDOT was supposed to start with unnumbered freeways either last year or this year and complete the conversion in four phases by 2019.
Radio silence on that issue. I've heard nothing.
Quote from: southshore720 on April 04, 2017, 01:17:03 AM
There are already decent food/gas options at Exit 93 in Clarks Falls and Exits 3A/3B in Richmond. I frequently use Exits 3A/3B as my rest stop when I drive from MA to CT. I think any rest area installed above and beyond that would've been overkill. I'm glad they reopened the Richmond Rest Stop. That will be good for the truckers.
Speaking of rest stops, whatever happened to the idea of building a companion rest area on SB I-295 in Lincoln across from the NB service area?
Plus there's a full service truck stop at Exit 5 in Exeter.
The plans for the new SB Rest Area on I-295 in Lincoln were shelved many years ago. Use of the new NB area did not meet expected levels and it hardly gets used except as a pull-off for trucks and for people parking to use the Blackstone River bike path. The food service in the new area closed only a year or so after the area opened due to lack of business (how a Dunkin Donuts couldn't stay open in RI is mind boggling. Best guess is the lack of a drive-thru window.) and the inside is now just restrooms and a sometimes-staffed information desk. It's a shame, since the inside of the building is really nice, but it just never turned into a draw either as a visitor center or service area, and the food service half of the building is just closed off and dark. This winter, they barely bothered to plow most of the car parking areas.
So, with the low use of the NB area, the SB project was essentially cancelled.
IMHO, the SB area should have been rebuilt first, to serve as a welcome center to the state and may have gotten higher usage. But it's impossible to tell. Honestly, except as a truck parking spot, there isn't much of a need for rest areas on 295. Exits are frequent and almost all have plenty of traveler services.
How much more work is there going to be on I-95 by the Providence Place Mall and the exits with US 6/RI 10? While looking out the 8th floor window of the Hilton Hotel towards I-95, I noticed that the southbound bridge is now a bit higher:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fi02S1IZ.jpg&hash=a6dc88efeb77c4a7da3a5b183b379466922130ed)
As for the lack of traffic? That was taken after I woke up at 7 AM or so on Easter morning. :-D
Quote from: Beeper1 on April 04, 2017, 05:32:08 PM
The food service in the new area closed only a year or so after the area opened due to lack of business (how a Dunkin Donuts couldn't stay open in RI is mind boggling. Best guess is the lack of a drive-thru window.) and the inside is now just restrooms and a sometimes-staffed information desk. It's a shame, since the inside of the building is really nice, but it just never turned into a draw either as a visitor center or service area, and the food service half of the building is just closed off and dark.
I think you hit the nail square on the head with the drive-thru. Maybe they thought the food traffic from restroom use would translate over to an impulse buy? Well, it's not too late to do a re-design of the floor plan and install one. Maybe a competitor like Honey Dew Donuts would want skin in that game?
How about some rare button copy from RI.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2947/34005708282_f483d6aee7_c.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/TNY9kd)Original non-reflective button copy for I-295 on US-6 EB. Johnston, RI. Sign may date to the construction of the interstate. (https://flic.kr/p/TNY9kd) by mergingtraffic (https://www.flickr.com/photos/98731835@N05/), on Flickr
When did RI stop using button copy?
Quote from: Mergingtraffic on April 20, 2017, 02:46:39 PMWhen did RI stop using button copy?
IIRC, sometime during the mid-1970s.
Quote from: abqtraveler on February 04, 2017, 12:03:23 PM
Any update on Rhode Island going to mile-based exit numbers. My understanding is RIDOT was supposed to start with unnumbered freeways either last year or this year and complete the conversion in four phases by 2019.
It would make sense to change the numbers on 295 once the state finishes the Greenville Ave exit, but I doubt that'll happen. May end up with an unnumbered exit or a 6D for a year and a half.
RI 78 should be a lot of fun when that comes about. At least there will no longer be the oddball 3-4-5 from the old era when CT 78 was supposed to hit 95. (Same to 4 as well.)
Quote from: Roadgeek Adam on July 02, 2017, 06:30:54 PM
RI 78 should be a lot of fun when that comes about. At least there will no longer be the oddball 3-4-5 from the old era when CT 78 was supposed to hit 95. (Same to 4 as well.)
That always confused me until I learned about that...
Quote from: lowerdeck on July 02, 2017, 11:24:32 AM
Quote from: abqtraveler on February 04, 2017, 12:03:23 PM
Any update on Rhode Island going to mile-based exit numbers. My understanding is RIDOT was supposed to start with unnumbered freeways either last year or this year and complete the conversion in four phases by 2019.
It would make sense to change the numbers on 295 once the state finishes the Greenville Ave exit, but I doubt that'll happen. May end up with an unnumbered exit or a 6D for a year and a half.
Perusing the RIDOT contract page, there have been no contracts let or advertised so far in 2017 regarding exit signing. This includes the RI 146 project that was mentioned in an earlier post to be going out to bid in early 2017. There is a RI 146 reconstruction project that has been awarded, but perusing the item list revealed no mention of exit signage, just directional, regulatory and warning signs totaling $33,750. Too small an amount for exit signage. The list can be found at:
https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/315882 (https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/315882)
Quote from: bob7374 on July 03, 2017, 12:38:11 PM
Quote from: lowerdeck on July 02, 2017, 11:24:32 AM
Quote from: abqtraveler on February 04, 2017, 12:03:23 PM
Any update on Rhode Island going to mile-based exit numbers. My understanding is RIDOT was supposed to start with unnumbered freeways either last year or this year and complete the conversion in four phases by 2019.
It would make sense to change the numbers on 295 once the state finishes the Greenville Ave exit, but I doubt that'll happen. May end up with an unnumbered exit or a 6D for a year and a half.
Perusing the RIDOT contract page, there have been no contracts let or advertised so far in 2017 regarding exit signing. This includes the RI 146 project that was mentioned in an earlier post to be going out to bid in early 2017. There is a RI 146 reconstruction project that has been awarded, but perusing the item list revealed no mention of exit signage, just directional, regulatory and warning signs totaling $33,750. Too small an amount for exit signage. The list can be found at:
https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/315882 (https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/315882)
Wonder how much of that $33,750 goes to making those stupid blue "Rhode Works" signs, which don't really do anything except act as free taxpayer advertising for the governor.
I think that that even though the requirement is to go to mile based exit numbering, repairing the roads and bridges they've neglected and taking heat over is taking precedent.
Quote from: doogie1303 on August 09, 2017, 07:45:55 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on July 03, 2017, 12:38:11 PM
Quote from: lowerdeck on July 02, 2017, 11:24:32 AM
Quote from: abqtraveler on February 04, 2017, 12:03:23 PM
Any update on Rhode Island going to mile-based exit numbers. My understanding is RIDOT was supposed to start with unnumbered freeways either last year or this year and complete the conversion in four phases by 2019.
It would make sense to change the numbers on 295 once the state finishes the Greenville Ave exit, but I doubt that'll happen. May end up with an unnumbered exit or a 6D for a year and a half.
Perusing the RIDOT contract page, there have been no contracts let or advertised so far in 2017 regarding exit signing. This includes the RI 146 project that was mentioned in an earlier post to be going out to bid in early 2017. There is a RI 146 reconstruction project that has been awarded, but perusing the item list revealed no mention of exit signage, just directional, regulatory and warning signs totaling $33,750. Too small an amount for exit signage. The list can be found at:
https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/315882 (https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/315882)
Wonder how much of that $33,750 goes to making those stupid blue "Rhode Works" signs, which don't really do anything except act as free taxpayer advertising for the governor.
There's no update to the RIDOT STIP page. The STIP was approved in Sept. 2016 and said the first section of RI 146 to get new signs would be from the MA border to RI 146A in FY 2017. Given that we're now in FY 2018 (when the next section from RI 146A to Lincoln is supposed to be done) and nothing has happened it does appear priorities have changed.
I don't know if this was previously mentioned in here, but they finally got around to switching the mile marker posts on 146 South, where it actually goes down from the MA state line rather than starting at zero.
Quote from: lowerdeck on August 09, 2017, 11:49:46 PM
I don't know if this was previously mentioned in here, but they finally got around to switching the mile marker posts on 146 South, where it actually goes down from the MA state line rather than starting at zero.
Are exit numbers nigh?
Quote
Wonder how much of that $33,750 goes to making those stupid blue "Rhode Works" signs, which don't really do anything except act as free taxpayer advertising for the governor.
I think that that even though the requirement is to go to mile based exit numbering, repairing the roads and bridges they've neglected and taking heat over is taking precedent.
I laugh every time I see these signs. The Providence Viaduct Rhode Works sign indicates that they are over budget and behind schedule! I find it very ironic that they are maintaining these temporary signs, yet permanent signage throughout the state of RI remains in disrepair. There are several exits on I-95 (mainly Southern RI) and I-295 where a key BGS is missing and not replaced or worse, replaced with an LGS.
Quote from: southshore720 on August 10, 2017, 10:55:12 PM
Quote
Wonder how much of that $33,750 goes to making those stupid blue "Rhode Works" signs, which don't really do anything except act as free taxpayer advertising for the governor.
I think that that even though the requirement is to go to mile based exit numbering, repairing the roads and bridges they've neglected and taking heat over is taking precedent.
I laugh every time I see these signs. The Providence Viaduct Rhode Works sign indicates that they are over budget and behind schedule! I find it very ironic that they are maintaining these temporary signs, yet permanent signage throughout the state of RI remains in disrepair. There are several exits on I-95 (mainly Southern RI) and I-295 where a key BGS is missing and not replaced or worse, replaced with an LGS.
The first exit sign for RI 5 on US 6 is a LGS
Quote from: southshore720 on August 10, 2017, 10:55:12 PM
Quote
Wonder how much of that $33,750 goes to making those stupid blue "Rhode Works" signs, which don't really do anything except act as free taxpayer advertising for the governor.
I think that that even though the requirement is to go to mile based exit numbering, repairing the roads and bridges they've neglected and taking heat over is taking precedent.
I laugh every time I see these signs. The Providence Viaduct Rhode Works sign indicates that they are over budget and behind schedule! I find it very ironic that they are maintaining these temporary signs, yet permanent signage throughout the state of RI remains in disrepair. There are several exits on I-95 (mainly Southern RI) and I-295 where a key BGS is missing and not replaced or worse, replaced with an LGS.
I would suspect that the contract specification for the Rhode Works signs includes a requirement that the contractor update the sign legend as directed by the resident engineer.
And, while I'm not defending Rhode Island's use of these unnecessary signs, MassHighway's experience with the ARRA project identification signs for projects funded under that program was that a pair of signs and supports fabricated and installed cost an average of $6,000 per project. For a large project like I-95 Providence Viaduct - currently estimated at $208 million, that would represent about 0.003% of the total project cost. So you can see the appeal to install such signs - it's known in the vernacular as "cheap politics."
As for having the Governor's name on signs, I find that ironic - as Massachusetts did away with project identification signs (with the exception of the later ARRA project signs - which never had officials names on them), and eliminated officials names from border crossing signs as well, in 2004 under then Governor Romney.
In perusing the RIDOT website, I found a listing for a contract "Mileage Based Exit Renumbering of I-295 and 'I-99'" on its Bidding Opportunities webpage: http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php (http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php)
Bids to be opened on August 25. The list of plan holders include Liddell Bros. and Roadsafe Traffic Systems, the contractors replacing signs on the Mass Pike.
I wonder why I-195 wasn't included in the Exit renumbering contract? Granted, it has 8 numbered exits for just over a 4-mile stretch; such a conversion would turn most of those numbers into alphabet soup.
Quote from: bob7374 on August 16, 2017, 01:08:54 PM
In perusing the RIDOT website, I found a listing for a contract "Mileage Based Exit Renumbering of I-295 and 'I-99'" on its Bidding Opportunities webpage: http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php (http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php)
Bids to be opened on August 25. The list of plan holders include Liddell Bros. and Roadsafe Traffic Systems, the contractors replacing signs on the Mass Pike.
"I-99?" Sounds like they've got the wrong state.
and yes, I now know that was a typo and should have read "I-95" "RI-99"- as I've just verified with my contact at RIDOT.
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 16, 2017, 01:19:13 PM
I wonder why I-195 wasn't included in the Exit renumbering contract? Granted, it has 8 numbered exits for just over a 4-mile stretch; such a conversion would turn most of those numbers into alphabet soup.
Maybe they're doing the easy/uncontroversial stuff first?
Quote from: vdeane on August 16, 2017, 01:53:13 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 16, 2017, 01:19:13 PM
I wonder why I-195 wasn't included in the Exit renumbering contract? Granted, it has 8 numbered exits for just over a 4-mile stretch; such a conversion would turn most of those numbers into alphabet soup.
Maybe they're doing the easy/uncontroversial stuff first?
Perhaps.
Quote from: roadman on August 16, 2017, 01:40:35 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on August 16, 2017, 01:08:54 PM
In perusing the RIDOT website, I found a listing for a contract "Mileage Based Exit Renumbering of I-295 and 'I-99'" on its Bidding Opportunities webpage: http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php (http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php)
Bids to be opened on August 25. The list of plan holders include Liddell Bros. and Roadsafe Traffic Systems, the contractors replacing signs on the Mass Pike.
"I-99?" Sounds like they've got the wrong state.
and yes, I now know that was a typo and should have read "I-95" "RI-99"- as I've just verified with my contact at RIDOT.
So nothing for I-95?
Quote from: roadman on August 16, 2017, 01:40:35 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on August 16, 2017, 01:08:54 PM
In perusing the RIDOT website, I found a listing for a contract "Mileage Based Exit Renumbering of I-295 and 'I-99'" on its Bidding Opportunities webpage: http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php (http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php)
Bids to be opened on August 25. The list of plan holders include Liddell Bros. and Roadsafe Traffic Systems, the contractors replacing signs on the Mass Pike.
"I-99?" Sounds like they've got the wrong state.
and yes, I now know that was a typo and should have read "I-95" "RI-99"- as I've just verified with my contact at RIDOT.
Given the MUTCD preference for all Beltway type routes to have one exit numbering system regardless of whether they cross state lines, will MassDOT (if and when they start changing numbers) coordinate with RIDOT and possibly change their proposed exit numbers (2 and 4) and just continue those in Rhode Island?
Since RIDOT lists the miles along with the numbers on its interstate exit lists, and assuming the numbers are correct, it looks like the future exits numbers would be 1A, 1B (unless RI uses 0 for the first exit-RI 113), 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21 and 22.
Quote from: bob7374 on August 17, 2017, 08:56:34 PM
Quote from: roadman on August 16, 2017, 01:40:35 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on August 16, 2017, 01:08:54 PM
In perusing the RIDOT website, I found a listing for a contract "Mileage Based Exit Renumbering of I-295 and 'I-99'" on its Bidding Opportunities webpage: http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php (http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php)
Bids to be opened on August 25. The list of plan holders include Liddell Bros. and Roadsafe Traffic Systems, the contractors replacing signs on the Mass Pike.
"I-99?" Sounds like they've got the wrong state.
and yes, I now know that was a typo and should have read "I-95" "RI-99"- as I've just verified with my contact at RIDOT.
Given the MUTCD preference for all Beltway type routes to have one exit numbering system regardless of whether they cross state lines, will MassDOT (if and when they start changing numbers) coordinate with RIDOT and possibly change their proposed exit numbers (2 and 4) and just continue those in Rhode Island?
Since RIDOT lists the miles along with the numbers on its interstate exit lists, and assuming the numbers are correct, it looks like the future exits numbers would be 1A, 1B (unless RI uses 0 for the first exit-RI 113), 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21 and 22.
I actually have 1A, 1B (or 0), 4 A-B, 7, 8, 9 A-B(NB)-C, 11 (future), 12 A-B, 15 A-B, 19 A-B, 21, 23 in RI. 2 A-B and 4 A-B (25 and 27 if the numbering continues) in MA for I-295.
Here's what I have for RI Exit #'s:
I-95: 1, 5, 7 A/B, 9 (NB), 14 A/B, 18, 20, 21, 24 (A/B NB), 25 (SB), 27 (A/B SB), 28 (A & B NB, A/B/C SB), 29, 31 A/B, 32, 33 A/B, 34 (SB), 35, 36A, 36B, 37 A-B-C-D, 38 (A & B NB), 39, 40 (A/B NB), 41 (A/B NB), 42 (A/B NB), 43
I-195: 1 (1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E WB), 2 (A & B EB), 3 (A & B EB), 4 (EB)
RI 4: 3 (A/B SB), 6, 7 (A/B SB), 9 (A/B NB)
US 6: 15 (WB), 16, 17, 18, 19, 20A (EB), 20B (EB), 21 (A, B & C EB)
RI 10: 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D (SB), 2, 3, 4 (NB)
RI 24: 1(SB), 2, 3, 4, 5
RI 37: 1 A/B, 1 C/D, 2A, 2 B/C, 3A, 3B
RI 78: 1, 2 (A & B WB)
RI 99: 1
RI 138: 23 (WB), 26, 28, 29, 32
RI 146: 1 (SB), 2, 3, 4, 5A, 5B, 7, 8A, 8 B/C, 9 (NB) <GAP IN FREEWAY> 11 (NB), 12, 13, 14
RI 403: 1 A/B (WB), 2(EB), 3 (EB), 4 (WB)
TF Green Connector: 1A, 1B
Quote from: vdeane on August 16, 2017, 01:53:13 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 16, 2017, 01:19:13 PM
I wonder why I-195 wasn't included in the Exit renumbering contract? Granted, it has 8 numbered exits for just over a 4-mile stretch; such a conversion would turn most of those numbers into alphabet soup.
Maybe they're doing the easy/uncontroversial stuff first?
Going through RIDOT's plan that was included in this news story from back in March 2016:
http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/ (http://wpri.com/2016/03/29/ri-set-to-renumber-all-its-highway-exit-signs/)
The final phase from 2017 to 2018 was to complete the renumbering of RI 146 and then do all the exits on I-195, I-295 and I-95 after a 6-month public education campaign. It will be interesting to see if the I-295 work goes ahead with or without the campaign, and whether the other parts of the plan, which were to take place by now, will be done concurrently or after all the interstate numbers are changed.
Apparently, Liddell Bros. experience with MassDOT over their postponed exit renumbering project didn't scare them off from bidding for and winning the contract for the I-295 and RI 99 renumbering project. The details of their winning bid are at:
https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/335132 (https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/335132)
Quote from: bob7374 on August 25, 2017, 02:30:53 PM
Apparently, Liddell Bros. experience with MassDOT over their postponed exit renumbering project didn't scare them off from bidding for and winning the contract for the I-295 and RI 99 renumbering project. The details of their winning bid are at:
https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/335132 (https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/335132)
Something looks screwy in that item list. 55 existing exit tabs are being removed and disposed, but only 44 new replacements are being provided. Plus, there's apparently no provisions for overlaying or replacing gore signs in the contract, let alone providing any temporary "Formerly Exit XX" signs.
Are there any links to the actual project documents?
Quote from: roadman on August 25, 2017, 02:40:25 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on August 25, 2017, 02:30:53 PM
Apparently, Liddell Bros. experience with MassDOT over their postponed exit renumbering project didn't scare them off from bidding for and winning the contract for the I-295 and RI 99 renumbering project. The details of their winning bid are at:
https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/335132 (https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/335132)
Something looks screwy in that item list. 55 existing exit tabs are being removed and disposed, but only 44 new replacements are being provided. Plus, there's apparently no provisions for overlaying or replacing gore signs in the contract, let alone providing any temporary "Formerly Exit XX" signs.
Are there any links to the actual project documents?
Doesn't appear to be any online. The RIDOT website has this info on their Bidding Opportunities page: "The Plans, Specifications and Special Provisions are available every weekday except holidays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Questions? Call us (401) 222-2495." Perhaps a RIDOT contact could provide the answer.
Quote from: roadman on August 25, 2017, 02:40:25 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on August 25, 2017, 02:30:53 PM
Apparently, Liddell Bros. experience with MassDOT over their postponed exit renumbering project didn't scare them off from bidding for and winning the contract for the I-295 and RI 99 renumbering project. The details of their winning bid are at:
https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/335132 (https://www.pmp.dot.ri.gov/PMP/PMPReporting/Home.mvc/ReportViewer/335132)
Something looks screwy in that item list. 55 existing exit tabs are being removed and disposed, but only 44 new replacements are being provided. Plus, there's apparently no provisions for overlaying or replacing gore signs in the contract, let alone providing any temporary "Formerly Exit XX" signs.
Are there any links to the actual project documents?
There are "Old Exit X" tabs being added atop the replaced exit tabs. I have only seen one of the sheets so I cannot comment on the quantity discrepancy.
Not everyone is happy with the blue RhodeWorks signs... :-/
A Portsmouth man is seeking information on the blue RhodeWorks signs, such as their cost and funding source.
http://www.newportri.com/newportdailynews/news/local_state/dot-ordered-to-release-data-on-signs/article_e1e2d583-7419-57f3-bfea-342c42cdc577.html
Are there any RI expressways that still have non-reflective demountable copy?
RI-78 has escaped the recent signing contracts.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4432/37029451031_788e078d5f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/YqaBGT)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/29151702361_656987090f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Lq36tX)
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on August 17, 2017, 11:14:40 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on August 17, 2017, 08:56:34 PM
Quote from: roadman on August 16, 2017, 01:40:35 PM
Quote from: bob7374 on August 16, 2017, 01:08:54 PM
In perusing the RIDOT website, I found a listing for a contract "Mileage Based Exit Renumbering of I-295 and 'I-99'" on its Bidding Opportunities webpage: http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php (http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php)
Bids to be opened on August 25. The list of plan holders include Liddell Bros. and Roadsafe Traffic Systems, the contractors replacing signs on the Mass Pike.
"I-99?" Sounds like they've got the wrong state.
and yes, I now know that was a typo and should have read "I-95" "RI-99"- as I've just verified with my contact at RIDOT.
Given the MUTCD preference for all Beltway type routes to have one exit numbering system regardless of whether they cross state lines, will MassDOT (if and when they start changing numbers) coordinate with RIDOT and possibly change their proposed exit numbers (2 and 4) and just continue those in Rhode Island?
Since RIDOT lists the miles along with the numbers on its interstate exit lists, and assuming the numbers are correct, it looks like the future exits numbers would be 1A, 1B (unless RI uses 0 for the first exit-RI 113), 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 21 and 22.
I actually have 1A, 1B (or 0), 4 A-B, 7, 8, 9 A-B(NB)-C, 11 (future), 12 A-B, 15 A-B, 19 A-B, 21, 23 in RI. 2 A-B and 4 A-B (25 and 27 if the numbering continues) in MA for I-295.
Based on the exit numbers in this article:
http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20171004/rhode-island-set-to-renumber-all-highway-exits (http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20171004/rhode-island-set-to-renumber-all-highway-exits)
The new I-295 exit #s NB will be: 1A, 1B, 3A/B, 6, 7, 9A/B/C, 10 (Future), 12A/B, 15A/B, 18A/B, 20, 22
SB: 22, 20, 18B/A, 15B/A, 12B/A, 10 (Future), 9C/A, 7, 6, 3B/A, 1B, 1A
The article suggests a future I-295 interchange at RI 5.
http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/news/I-295_RI-5_Interchange_MERGED.pdf
Is this under construction, or final design, or?
RIDOT has created its own webpage for the Exit Renumbering Project:
http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/exitnumbers/index.php (http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/exitnumbers/index.php)
Quote from: Alps on October 06, 2017, 12:08:15 AM
The article suggests a future I-295 interchange at RI 5.
http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/news/I-295_RI-5_Interchange_MERGED.pdf
Is this under construction, or final design, or?
Under construction.
Quote from: spooky on October 06, 2017, 02:03:18 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 06, 2017, 12:08:15 AM
The article suggests a future I-295 interchange at RI 5.
http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/news/I-295_RI-5_Interchange_MERGED.pdf
Is this under construction, or final design, or?
Under construction.
Last Providence meet was 2010. Let's bring another one on!
Quote from: Alps on October 06, 2017, 05:46:50 PM
Quote from: spooky on October 06, 2017, 02:03:18 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 06, 2017, 12:08:15 AM
The article suggests a future I-295 interchange at RI 5.
http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/news/I-295_RI-5_Interchange_MERGED.pdf
Is this under construction, or final design, or?
Under construction.
Last Providence meet was 2010. Let's bring another one on!
ok?
I don't know if this was mentioned earlier, but here's a construction project that's going to mess up traffic in my neighborhood:
http://www.valleybreeze.com/2017-09-19/pawtucket/newport-avenue-will-get-49-million-reconstruction#.Wfd_hEP84Xc
Quote from: Alps on October 06, 2017, 12:08:15 AM
The article suggests a future I-295 interchange at RI 5.
http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/news/I-295_RI-5_Interchange_MERGED.pdf
Is this under construction, or final design, or?
So
that's why there's backup on Rte. 44 when I'm on the bus I take to get to work and back. That and orange signs everywhere in Greenville and near Apple Valley about road closures on Rte. 5.
I saw a VMS at the state line on I-295 which said that exit renumbering work is starting 11/27.
Quote from: spooky on November 09, 2017, 03:22:52 PM
I saw a VMS at the state line on I-295 which said that exit renumbering work is starting 11/27.
Thanks for the info. Was thinking on a trip to check on I-295 the weekend before Thanksgiving, now probably the weekend before Christmas.
Update & thread bump:
One of the AET gantries for the FHWA-approved truck tolling in the Ocean State is being installed.
First Truck Toll Gantry Installed on Route 95 South in Exeter (http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180215/first-truck-toll-gantry-installed-on-route-95-south-in-exeter)
Note: there is a paywall after a number of viewings.
The article does mention that the AET gantries once used for the short-lived RI 24/Sakonnet Bridge toll will be reused and installed along other sections of I-95.
Worth noting:
Quote from: Providence Journal ArticleThe Rhode Island Trucking Association has called the truck tolls unconstitutional and said it will exhaust every legal avenue to stop them.
A court challenge is expected once toll collecting begins.
"Installation of the unconstitutional truck-only tolling gantries does nothing more than frame-up timing for the State's costly legal battle that will be funded with taxpayer dollars," Rhode Island Trucking Association President Christopher Maxwell wrote in an email. "The RI Trucking Association and the American Trucking Associations are supremely confident in our position that tolling only trucks is illegal. We look forward to a favorable legal decision that protects Rhode Island's working families and small businesses."
They may not necessarily win this one for the simple reason that truck-only tolls do exist on other roadways. NY State Thruway's Spring Valley Plaza just north of the Garden State Parkway interchange/Exit 14A converted to a truck-only toll during the mid-1990s. However, in that instance, the road was a toll facility from day one and the plaza originally charged a toll for *all* vehicles. The change to truck-only tolls (at this location) was viewed as giving passenger vehicles a financial break.
With the above in mind, the RI Trucking Association's litigation may be just a delay-tactic in terms of when the truck tolls start being charged.
Stay tuned.
I wonder how long before they start tolling everyone, especially with Trump's infrastructure plan. CT too.
Quote from: vdeane on February 16, 2018, 01:18:07 PM
I wonder how long before they start tolling everyone, especially with Trump's infrastructure plan. CT too.
Fearless Leader (our governor) of the People's Republic of CT wants tolls to be installed by 2023.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on February 17, 2018, 09:19:02 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 16, 2018, 01:18:07 PM
I wonder how long before they start tolling everyone, especially with Trump's infrastructure plan. CT too.
Fearless Leader (our governor) of the People's Republic of CT wants tolls to be installed by 2023.
Does he intend on being around by then? Last I knew he was (in polls) the second most unpopular governor in the country, and #1 (Chris Christie) isn't one anymore.
Quote from: SectorZ on February 18, 2018, 04:31:16 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on February 17, 2018, 09:19:02 PM
Quote from: vdeane on February 16, 2018, 01:18:07 PM
I wonder how long before they start tolling everyone, especially with Trump's infrastructure plan. CT too.
Fearless Leader (our governor) of the People's Republic of CT wants tolls to be installed by 2023.
Does he intend on being around by then? Last I knew he was (in polls) the second most unpopular governor in the country, and #1 (Chris Christie) isn't one anymore.
He's not running for reelection in 2018.
Apparently, there are plans in the works to reconfigure the various ramps and approaches (most of which are part of RI 138) to the Newport (Pell) Bridge on the Newport side.
State Outlines Plan for Pell Bridge Ramps (http://www.newportri.com/newportdailynews/news/page_one/state-outlines-plan-for-pell-bridge-ramps/article_75576d9e-6574-5e95-bfb4-007ca04b959f.html)
Unfortunately, the article does not show any concept sketches of the new scheme/configuration; but one's thing's certain, the old stub, that would've been either part of I-895 or an extension of RI 24 will be going bye-bye.
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 02, 2018, 09:26:52 AM
Apparently, there are plans in the works to reconfigure the various ramps and approaches (most of which are part of RI 138) to the Newport (Pell) Bridge on the Newport side.
State Outlines Plan for Pell Bridge Ramps (http://www.newportri.com/newportdailynews/news/page_one/state-outlines-plan-for-pell-bridge-ramps/article_75576d9e-6574-5e95-bfb4-007ca04b959f.html)
Unfortunately, the article does not show any concept sketches of the new scheme/configuration; but one's thing's certain, the old stub, that would've been either part of I-895 or an extension of RI 24 will be going bye-bye.
Damn I always held out hope that maybe one day it'd be connected to 24, driving through there is an absolute nightmare in either direction
The first RI 146 sign replacement contract has been awarded. Information from the RIDOT website:
Route 146 Guide Sign Improvements North- Contract 1 (N Smithfield)
Low Bidder: LIDDELL BROS. INC
Bid Amount: $1,493,427.34
This is the same contractor replacing signs on the eastern half of the Mass Pike. Presumably they may start work in RI after that project is done which is to be later this spring.
Quote from: AMLNet49 on March 02, 2018, 04:27:41 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 02, 2018, 09:26:52 AM
Apparently, there are plans in the works to reconfigure the various ramps and approaches (most of which are part of RI 138) to the Newport (Pell) Bridge on the Newport side.
State Outlines Plan for Pell Bridge Ramps (http://www.newportri.com/newportdailynews/news/page_one/state-outlines-plan-for-pell-bridge-ramps/article_75576d9e-6574-5e95-bfb4-007ca04b959f.html)
Unfortunately, the article does not show any concept sketches of the new scheme/configuration; but one's thing's certain, the old stub, that would've been either part of I-895 or an extension of RI 24 will be going bye-bye.
Damn I always held out hope that maybe one day it'd be connected to 24, driving through there is an absolute nightmare in either direction
Which means the end for this gem:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8404/28680091694_789ce0ff66_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KGmY4y)
Quote from: spooky on October 06, 2017, 02:03:18 PM
Quote from: Alps on October 06, 2017, 12:08:15 AM
The article suggests a future I-295 interchange at RI 5.
http://www.dot.ri.gov/documents/news/I-295_RI-5_Interchange_MERGED.pdf
Is this under construction, or final design, or?
Under construction.
Citizens Bank is building a new corporate campus out there. I work for them and by workplace will be moving there from Riverside in the fall. It's closer to where I live in southern CT and Google Maps says that it's about ten minutes less of a drive, but I'm not sure if that time savings will remain once the impact of extra cars on I-295 actually occurs.
I've noticed a new guardrail near the inside lane of I-95 North along the curve where it meets RI-4. I was on vacation for over a week, so I'm not 100% sure when it was put up.
These aren't good times for commuters in the Ocean State.
http://www.wpri.com/weather/pinpoint-traffic/dip-in-road-snarls-traffic-on-i-195-east/1208778140
...and an oldie from last week.
http://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/west-bay/multiple-cars-get-flat-tires-on-i-95-north/1198113395
Tractor trailer tolling is about to begin.
http://turnto10.com/news/local/ridot-tractor-trailer-truck-tolling-to-begin-june-11th
The Greenville Ave. exit off 295 opens July 28th
I heard the DOT director on the radio this morning and he said late July/early August. THere's a firm date now? Sweet. I'll be working right off of that exit soon.
Quote from: jon daly on June 06, 2018, 11:43:28 AM
Tractor trailer tolling is about to begin.
http://turnto10.com/news/local/ridot-tractor-trailer-truck-tolling-to-begin-june-11th
Stayed at a motel in West Greenwich this past Saturday night (July 14th). Noticed the signs on Route 102 at the entrances to I-95 southbound have new "TRACTOR TRAILER TOLL (with tiny right arrow)" tabs.
Update regarding the new truck tolling along I-95 in RI. Upshoot: it collected more money than anticipated and no major increase in
shunpiking was noticed.
DOT says first month of R.I. truck tolling: $625,989 (http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180718/dot-says-first-month-of-ri-truck-tolling-625989)
Quote from: Providence Journal articleThe DOT said it appears fewer trucks than expected avoiding state's two tolls on Route 95, is moving ahead with plans to install 10 more toll gantries.
...
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation says the state made more money than expected in its first month of tolling trucks.
Receivables from June 11 to July 10 totaled $625,989, which is $27,322 more than estimated, according to a DOT press release.
The DOT also said it appears that fewer trucks than expected are avoiding the state's two tolls on Route 95 in Washington County. The DOT had estimated that 177,000 vehicles would pass through the tolls during the first month of operation, but the actual number was 188,815.
Ned Lamont, one of the Conn. gubernatorial candidates is proposing something similar regarding truck tolls.
Also:
New exit in R.I..: http://turnto10.com/news/local/officials-mark-opening-of-new-i-295-exit-in-johnston
Bad news: I-195 back-ups that are backing up to Seekonk during rush hour:
http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20180820/that-construction-clogged-route-195-commute-dot-looking-for-remedies
Good News: Exit 10 opened last month:
https://turnto10.com/news/local/officials-mark-opening-of-new-i-295-exit-in-johnston
I was on I-295 yesterday (both directions). Signage for the new Exit 10 looks great! However, in true RI style, there were some LGSs for Exit 1B (former Exit 2) and Exit 6 (former Exit 4) going NB. New signs don't last long on RI highways! Also, still no replacement for the damaged sign for US 44 W (New Exit 12B) going NB.
Before I left, I drove up I-295 and got video of the new Exit 10.
I like the look of the horizontal retroreflective signals with the FYA. It (almost) seems like I'm driving back in Texas!
This was asked about in Mass. so I answered there. Pardon the repitition.
Per WJAR, it's been more than 20 years since the westbound portion of the Washington Bridge was repaired.
https://turnto10.com/news/local/construction-on-interstate-195-west-to-start-sunday-night
Quote from: zzyzx on August 23, 2018, 05:58:44 PM
Before I left, I drove up I-295 and got video of the new Exit 10.
I like the look of the horizontal retroreflective signals with the FYA. It (almost) seems like I'm driving back in Texas!
Great video! I too love the horizontal signals. That's a rarity in RI! It's too bad there weren't LGSs for the I-295 on-ramps. Just the very understated trailblazers.
RIDOT has advertised the contract for the next round of exit renumbering. The project number is 2018-CT-081 and it's due to be let on September 11. The only firm that has asked for project plans so far is Liddell Bros. Inc. The RIDOT project advertising page is at: http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php (http://www.dot.ri.gov/contracting/bids/index.php)
Which roadway will get mileage-based exits next?
I'm not positive, but weren't there three contracts with the mileage-based exit conversion? I believe I-95 was in the final contract, so that would make this one include potentially I-195, RI 146, and maybe RI 4? Again, just going by memory here. That's quite the vague contract listing on the RIDOT site, though.
NBC Channel 10 of Providence says that some of the Washington Bridge construction on I-195 is temporarily suspended. Exit 3 for Gano Street is still closed.
^ The drive home was easier tonight. RIDOT reopened the entrance ramp from Taunton Avenue (US-44.) They had constructed a temporary ramp that just dumped cars on to an I-195 lane without giving them enough space to merge.
That's my view from the driver's seat.
Quote from: shadyjay on August 27, 2018, 04:39:48 PM
I'm not positive, but weren't there three contracts with the mileage-based exit conversion? I believe I-95 was in the final contract, so that would make this one include potentially I-195, RI 146, and maybe RI 4? Again, just going by memory here. That's quite the vague contract listing on the RIDOT site, though.
The remaining routes to be renumbered (from those listed in last year's I-295/RI 99 press release) are RI 4, 10, 24, 37, 78, 403, the TF Green Airport Connector, I-95 and I-195. I-95 will be part of the last contract. Will be interesting to see if they do all the state routes with this contract or include some with the I-95 one. Based on the timing of last year's announcement, there probably won't be any official word from RIDOT until early October.
I believe RI-146 is being done as part of a separate contract to do a full sign replacement.
Quote from: Beeper1 on August 27, 2018, 11:53:00 PM
I believe RI-146 is being done as part of a separate contract to do a full sign replacement.
Yes. Though a trip along RI 146 a couple weeks ago provided no hint that the project has started yet.
A post in another thread reminded me of a question that's been in the back of my mind for a while. My commute is on I-95 and goes though South County.. There are two weigh stations/rest areas near the Exeter/Richmond line. The southbound one has been taken over by a construction company as a staging area. At first, I thought that it was for the nearby toll gantry, but that project ended months ago. Is there still some nearby construction?
I never understood why those rest areas weren't fully developed. Right now, they encourage truckers to use facilities off of Exit 5B, which forces tractor trailers to use the tight cloverleaf interchange to get on/off the highway. Not exactly ideal for truckers.
It doesn't help for the northbound truckers that the Victory Highway overpass is still being worked on.
There's a new BGS on I-295 southbound between exits 10 and 9A. If I'm not mistaken, it was put up this morning. I doubt that I can get a pic. Traffic moves too smoothly there. If it was a mile and a half south, OTOH...
Progress toward eliminating the awkward highway segment of RI 138 in Newport that was once supposed to be "I-895."
http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20181206/federal-government-to-provide-20-million-for-pell-bridge-ramp-realignment
Quote from: southshore720 on December 06, 2018, 05:00:07 PM
Progress toward eliminating the awkward highway segment of RI 138 in Newport that was once supposed to be "I-895."
http://www.providencejournal.com/news/20181206/federal-government-to-provide-20-million-for-pell-bridge-ramp-realignment
Here's the various Design Alternatives (http://www.newportri.com/photogallery/PJ/20180822/NEWS/821009998/PH/1) from this past August.
Personally, I'm leaning towards Alternate 1 since it still somewhat maintains RI 138 between the Newport Bridge & Admiral Kalbfus Rd. as a highway and is a nice relatively straight alignment. All the other alternates feature unnecessarily awkward alignment bends as well as roundabouts and/or signalized intersections.
Really the issue is the truncated final interchange that has a lot of wasted payment and makes 138 go on an unessesatt loop ramp, and the modified second-last interchange that has an awkward left exit one direction and a single-lane segment in the other. The freeway on the other side of the bridge is fine, it's just the Newport part that needs tweaking.
But let's be honest, all they really need to do is 1) remove the bridge at the final interchange and have the freeway end normally at the crossroad instead of looping over on the bridge and exit ramp, and 2) widen the bridge at the second-last interchange so that 138 North doesn't drop to one lane through there. Other than that nothing really needs to be done. The idea of tearing up the entire freeway and truncating it to the end of the bridge is unessessary and could be dangerous since people fly coming off that bridge.
Quote from: PHLBOS on December 07, 2018, 10:18:26 AM
Personally, I'm leaning towards Alternate 1 since it still somewhat maintains RI 138 between the Newport Bridge & Admiral Kalbfus Rd. as a highway and is a nice relatively straight alignment. All the other alternates feature unnecessarily awkward alignment bends as well as roundabouts and/or signalized intersections.
I'm with you on that one. It appears to be the most logical and cost-efficient solution.
Honestly, the BEST answer is to complete I-895 as planned. I don't know why you all aren't saying that.
Quote from: Alps on December 08, 2018, 12:39:51 AM
Honestly, the BEST answer is to complete I-895 as planned. I don't know why you all aren't saying that.
Or at least the section between I-95 and US 1. RI 138 in that stretch can be a nightmare, especially passing through URI.
Quote from: Alps on December 08, 2018, 12:39:51 AM
Honestly, the BEST answer is to complete I-895 as planned. I don't know why you all aren't saying that.
I won't say it because I'm intrigued by editorials like this. I'm not fully on board, but it does make me skeptical that growth is always good:
https://www.theday.com/op-edguest-opinions/20181125/tilting-at-wind-farms-humans-can-secure-future-through-economic-contraction-not-growth
Quote from: Alps on December 08, 2018, 12:39:51 AM
Honestly, the BEST answer is to complete I-895 as planned. I don't know why you all aren't saying that.
Because such wasn't listed as an option & this isn't the Fictional Board. :sombrero:
Heck, I would've been okay with RI 24 being extended down to Newport via the Burma Road Corridor proposal that was floating around shortly after the plan for I-895 was nixed during the 1980s. Sadly, even that modest proposal died as well.
The Henderson Bridge on the Providence/East Providence line just got the green light for demo and reconstruction. It will shrink from 6 to 2 lanes, officially killing the dream of the past that a highway would run through there!
https://www.wpri.com/weather/pinpoint-traffic/-545-million-invested-for-ri-bridge-repairs-improvements/1808575989
Quote from: southshore720 on February 25, 2019, 09:34:45 PM
The Henderson Bridge on the Providence/East Providence line just got the green light for demo and reconstruction. It will shrink from 6 to 2 lanes, officially killing the dream of the past that a highway would run through there!
https://www.wpri.com/weather/pinpoint-traffic/-545-million-invested-for-ri-bridge-repairs-improvements/1808575989
It may have been built as a 6-laner; but only 4 lanes have been open (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Providence,+RI/@41.8291104,-71.3786446,138m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x89e444e0437e735d:0x69df7c4d48b3b627!8m2!3d41.8239891!4d-71.4128343) for quite some time.
It means this will be gone soon:
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1818/43918176751_f36547f2a3_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/29UU8RZ)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4438/36302714482_9eb16a5bac_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/XiWUfo)
Nice sky color in that first sign, mergingtraffic!
Quote from: shadyjay on February 26, 2019, 09:31:08 PM
Nice sky color in that first sign, mergingtraffic!
Indeed.
Quote from: shadyjay on February 26, 2019, 09:31:08 PM
Nice sky color in that first sign, mergingtraffic!
Thanks Shadyjay and Jon! Sometimes I wonder if people actually like the pics I take.
The scattershot button copy reflections are a nice effect too.
On a visit to Vermont over the past few days, I returned to CT via New Hampshire, eastern Mass, and RI. Just moments before the MA/RI state line on I-295 South, this sign popped out at me:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7909/33496317488_644442f913_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T2Xocj)295SB-old (https://flic.kr/p/T2Xocj) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr
Every sign replacement project always seems to have that one sign that got away... that missed the cut... that was either at one extreme end or the other of a replacement contract that it just got overlooked. Well this seems to be the perfect example of this. It looks very much like a Rhode Island sign, but its in Massachusetts, a mile or so before the border. And my thought is that it got missed out by not just one, but two sign replacement projects. A similar thing has occured with RI Exit 30, being practically on the Mass. border. More uniqueness... the Mile/Km distances to two control cities that don't even appear on any exit signs down the line.
Any thoughts on this rogue unit?
Also got shots of the APL for Exit 9, which is temporarily patched:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7852/33496319078_aedeb26e77_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T2XoEJ)295SB-Exit09-2 (https://flic.kr/p/T2XoEJ) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr
Quote from: shadyjay on March 14, 2019, 04:22:15 PM
On a visit to Vermont over the past few days, I returned to CT via New Hampshire, eastern Mass, and RI. Just moments before the MA/RI state line on I-295 South, this sign popped out at me:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7909/33496317488_644442f913_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T2Xocj)295SB-old (https://flic.kr/p/T2Xocj) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr
Every sign replacement project always seems to have that one sign that got away... that missed the cut... that was either at one extreme end or the other of a replacement contract that it just got overlooked. Well this seems to be the perfect example of this. It looks very much like a Rhode Island sign, but its in Massachusetts, a mile or so before the border. And my thought is that it got missed out by not just one, but two sign replacement projects. A similar thing has occured with RI Exit 30, being practically on the Mass. border. More uniqueness... the Mile/Km distances to two control cities that don't even appear on any exit signs down the line.
Any thoughts on this rogue unit?
Typically, the limit of work for sign replacement projects only goes as far as the state line. Any signs beyond the border are not included and are the responsibility of the adjacent state DOT agency (MassDOT in this case). Unless RIDOT notified MassDOT during the design phase of the project that one or two of their signs referencing RI interchanges needing to be replaced/updated; such are usually left alone.
The above-example BTW is 1 mile from the border.
The 1977-era Exit 30 & 29 BGS' & gantry (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8949952,-71.3756875,3a,75y,232.29h,90.04t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sa1R9kvGDXc5EWqLzj6Lorg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) along I-95 example sign is located just north of the border and are MA-spec'd (then-MassDPW)
Actually, that Valley Falls / Diamond Hill mileage sign was replaced in both of the last sign replacement projects. I used to travel that route regularly and clearly remember the previous versions. For some reason, it is always replaced identical to the previous one, and never changed to the more current format MA uses for mileage signs or to remove the km distances.
Follow up: is this the only remaining sign in MA with mile and km distances?
Quote from: Beeper1 on March 14, 2019, 11:32:12 PMActually, that Valley Falls / Diamond Hill mileage sign was replaced in both of the last sign replacement projects.
I'm assuming that those sign replacement projects you're referring to were
MA projects and only covered the short MA stretch of I-295. The replacement signs along the RI stretch were separate/independent RIDOT project(s).
Quote from: Beeper1 on March 14, 2019, 11:32:12 PMI used to travel that route regularly and clearly remember the previous versions. For some reason, it is always replaced identical to the previous one, and never changed to the more current format MA uses for mileage signs or to remove the km distances.
That is odd to be sure. MA's first mileage BGS' that showed km distances were from the mid-1970s.
Quote from: Beeper1 on March 14, 2019, 11:32:12 PMFollow up: is this the only remaining sign in MA with mile and km distances?
Offhand, I would say yes.
Quote from: shadyjay on March 14, 2019, 04:22:15 PM
Also got shots of the APL for Exit 9, which is temporarily patched:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7852/33496319078_aedeb26e77_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T2XoEJ)295SB-Exit09-2 (https://flic.kr/p/T2XoEJ) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr
That's probably the first APL in RI, I gotta check that out soon
95SB in Providence gas a couple as well. I've got shots of those on my I95 RI page on Flickr.
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 15, 2019, 08:47:39 AM
Quote from: Beeper1 on March 14, 2019, 11:32:12 PMActually, that Valley Falls / Diamond Hill mileage sign was replaced in both of the last sign replacement projects.
I'm assuming that those sign replacement projects you're referring to were MA projects and only covered the short MA stretch of I-295. The replacement signs along the RI stretch were separate/independent RIDOT project(s).
Quote from: Beeper1 on March 14, 2019, 11:32:12 PMI used to travel that route regularly and clearly remember the previous versions. For some reason, it is always replaced identical to the previous one, and never changed to the more current format MA uses for mileage signs or to remove the km distances.
That is odd to be sure. MA's first mileage BGS' that showed km distances were from the mid-1970s.
Quote from: Beeper1 on March 14, 2019, 11:32:12 PMFollow up: is this the only remaining sign in MA with mile and km distances?
Offhand, I would say yes.
Yes, they were replaced by MA as part of their sign contracts. This has always been a MA sign, it never matched the style of any of the BGSs on the RI side of the line.
Quote from: Ben114 on March 15, 2019, 11:18:57 AM
That's probably the first APL in RI, I gotta check that out soon
There has been an APL on I-95 SB in Providence for the US 6/RI 10/Downtown exit for at least a couple years.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8353465,-71.416005,3a,75y,200.69h,96.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1snB7tPYAZZYYiIdiJgkD0IQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Quote from: shadyjay on March 14, 2019, 04:22:15 PM
Also got shots of the APL for Exit 9, which is temporarily patched:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7852/33496319078_aedeb26e77_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/T2XoEJ)295SB-Exit09-2 (https://flic.kr/p/T2XoEJ) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr
It would've been a smarter idea to erect this APL AFTER the bridge repair. However, it's RIDOT...so I shouldn't be surprised.
Quote from: Beeper1 on March 15, 2019, 04:49:38 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 15, 2019, 08:47:39 AM
Quote from: Beeper1 on March 14, 2019, 11:32:12 PMActually, that Valley Falls / Diamond Hill mileage sign was replaced in both of the last sign replacement projects.
I'm assuming that those sign replacement projects you're referring to were MA projects and only covered the short MA stretch of I-295. The replacement signs along the RI stretch were separate/independent RIDOT project(s).
Quote from: Beeper1 on March 14, 2019, 11:32:12 PMI used to travel that route regularly and clearly remember the previous versions. For some reason, it is always replaced identical to the previous one, and never changed to the more current format MA uses for mileage signs or to remove the km distances.
That is odd to be sure. MA's first mileage BGS' that showed km distances were from the mid-1970s.
Quote from: Beeper1 on March 14, 2019, 11:32:12 PMFollow up: is this the only remaining sign in MA with mile and km distances?
Offhand, I would say yes.
Yes, they were replaced by MA as part of their sign contracts. This has always been a MA sign, it never matched the style of any of the BGSs on the RI side of the line.
Wrong. The 'Valley Falls/Diamond Hill' distance sign with the dual MI/km distances is done to RI spec, not MA. This sign was retained during both the 1988 MassDPW and 2005 MassHighway I-295 sign replacement projects. As the sign is located in MA, I'm not sure how it got there to begin with.
Is Rhode Island planning on replacing the I-295 overpasses over the Plainfield Pike (RI-14?) I see a lot of earth moving equipment in the median near there and it looks like they may put up temporary overpasses while they redo the main ones. I think that every other construction project that I come across is mentioned on RIDOT's webpage, but not this one.
The Goog retrieves several articles in response to me asking about "Plainfield Pike Bridge" . "Yes" is the answer to your question.
Thanks. I've learned that it's best to approach that stretch in the right lane if you're having north out of the "canyon." That seemed counterintuitive as there is no climbing lane in the canyon and slow 18 wheelers sometimes crawl up that highway there.
RIDOT re-opened up the Gano Street ramp on I-195 West on Thursday evening as it weighs options for the upcoming Washington Bridge reconstruction project: https://www.ri.gov/press/view/36922 (https://www.ri.gov/press/view/36922)
Still no news on the next phase of exit number renumbering on what the link to the project page on the RIDOT Statewide Programs & Initiatives page calls the Highway Renumbering Project. :-D
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on May 01, 2020, 02:34:54 PM
So... here's a video of the bridge replacement and interchange removal on the Henderson Expressway...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANLaR5f60Kw
Video is private
RIDOT has announced the winning bidder for the 2nd round of RI 146 sign replacement to begin this summer. The winning bidder, surprise again, is LIDDELL BROS. INC with a bid of $4,737,973.72 vs. ROADSAFE TRAFFIC SYSTEMS, INC. at $6,035,428.22. Will Liddell get all the MassDOT exit renumbering contracts as well?
Quote from: bob7374 on May 11, 2020, 12:38:50 PM
Will Liddell get all the MassDOT exit renumbering contracts as well?
Probably, and we'll be lucky that they're done before 2030.
While the exit renumbering hasn't started, there is some progress on updating signage along RI 24. Here's both versions of the 1/2 mile advance for the now signed as RI 138 exit southbound in Portsmouth:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.malmeroads.net%2Fmass21c%2Fri24signs520f.JPG&hash=df5fdac527e602407794120b80488bccce8df023)
Other new sign and new sign post photos are at: http://www.malmeroads.net/mass21c/neexitrenumbering.html#photos (http://www.malmeroads.net/mass21c/neexitrenumbering.html#photos)
In addition to the current signage upgrades, additional upgrades are coming to Route 146! INCLUDING the elimination of the horrible stoplight at Sayles Hill Rd! (We'll see if that actually comes to fruition!)
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/blackstone-valley/ri-lands-65m-federal-grant-to-fix-route-146/?fbclid=IwAR2mc50i5QclYtma8AM_2Y5WBKZ3B2gj1Rghx8SBrEnMHDwACKdAlsYePkE
Quote from: southshore720 on June 16, 2020, 01:46:05 PM
In addition to the current signage upgrades, additional upgrades are coming to Route 146! INCLUDING the elimination of the horrible stoplight at Sayles Hill Rd! (We'll see if that actually comes to fruition!)
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/blackstone-valley/ri-lands-65m-federal-grant-to-fix-route-146/?fbclid=IwAR2mc50i5QclYtma8AM_2Y5WBKZ3B2gj1Rghx8SBrEnMHDwACKdAlsYePkE
What is the point of a diverging - excuse me, diversion 🙄 - diamond at 146A? That's a straight up fork in the road.
Quote from: Alps on June 16, 2020, 08:53:30 PM
Quote from: southshore720 on June 16, 2020, 01:46:05 PM
In addition to the current signage upgrades, additional upgrades are coming to Route 146! INCLUDING the elimination of the horrible stoplight at Sayles Hill Rd! (We'll see if that actually comes to fruition!)
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/blackstone-valley/ri-lands-65m-federal-grant-to-fix-route-146/?fbclid=IwAR2mc50i5QclYtma8AM_2Y5WBKZ3B2gj1Rghx8SBrEnMHDwACKdAlsYePkE
What is the point of a diverging - excuse me, diversion 🙄 - diamond at 146A? That's a straight up fork in the road.
I don't see a point. Southbound traffic already has a u-turn ramp (except that they have to cut across two lanes of traffic to get to 146A, or take the prior exit for 104.)
THREAD BUMP!
Rhode Island's only "tolled" bridge, the Pell Bridge in Newport, will be going AET permanently starting in October. So, that means no more cash collection on this bridge.
Am I surprised that this is happening? No.
https://whatsupnewp.com/2021/07/pell-bridge-to-shift-to-electronic-only-tolling-in-october/
https://www.newportri.com/story/news/local/2021/07/08/pell-bridge-toll-no-longer-accept-cash-come-october/7902291002/
Is there any chance that the Interstate 95 truck toll plazas might ultimately be converted from truck-only tolls to all-vehicle tolls? If such were to happen, I would not be surprised.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 09, 2021, 12:56:07 PM
Is there any chance that the Interstate 95 truck toll plazas might ultimately be converted from truck-only tolls to all-vehicle tolls? If such were to happen, I would not be surprised.
Of course there is. That's why we fought tooth and nail against truck only tolls in CT: because we knew it would be all vehicles eventually.
Wasn't the final proposal before it was cancelled for all-vehicle tolls in CT, rather than the initial truck tolls? It didn't even get past the proposal state before they escalated. So yeah, I can't help but wonder if RI will follow suit.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 09, 2021, 12:56:07 PM
Is there any chance that the Interstate 95 truck toll plazas might ultimately be converted from truck-only tolls to all-vehicle tolls? If such were to happen, I would not be surprised.
It is my understanding that the Federal approval RI received for such was under the condition that the tolls could
only be charged for commercial trucks. If RI wants to expand the tolling
beyond; they would still have to seek federal permission to do such. Whether such would be granted or not is another story.
Quote from: vdeane on July 12, 2021, 12:57:24 PM
Wasn't the final proposal before it was cancelled for all-vehicle tolls in CT, rather than the initial truck tolls? It didn't even get past the proposal state before they escalated. So yeah, I can't help but wonder if RI will follow suit.
IIRC, the original plan proposed (i.e. campaign promise) by then-candidate for governor Ned Lamont was indeed to establish truck-only tolls in CT. Once he became governor; his plan was expanded to toll all vehicles.
The withdrawal/cancellation of that proposal came about when it was discovered that the plan included the short, 2-mile, piece of I-684 that runs through CT into the mix. Protests from Westchester County, NY residents was what likely & ultimately sank that proposal.
As a CT resident, I am all for tolls, under one condition: the money collected must go towards transportation/upkeep of said highway, and NOT in the state's general fund. I would gladly pay a toll if it meant... more lanes on a rebuilt I-95 in southeast CT, completion of Rt 11, Suicide Six bypass, get rid of the traffic lights on Rt 9 in Middletown, etc. Many in CT just think tolls is another tax, and fear that it would go towards paying pensions, cities, and whatnot. I can't necessarily argue with them. I still think border tolls are a great idea, especially on I-95 in Greenwich, on I-395 at Exit 9 near the casinos, etc. But again, that $$$ must go towards transportation and that alone.
RI's tolls are strategically placed at locations where major bridge repairs/replacement are needed. What better way to fund it than charging tractor trailers, who do a significant amount of wear and tear to said structures, a toll. The bridge is rebuilt and replaced. The big question is... when all is said and done, will the tolls remain in RI?
And are they still crying poverty as the reason why they're not yet changing I-95's exit numbers in RI?
Border tolls are prohibited by the Interstate Commerce Clause of the Constitution, which is why Lamont's hare-brained toll on I-684 in Greenwich would have never flown; 90% of those charged would be New Yorkers. You could get away with the ones on I-395, but that would put quite a few shunpikers on CT 32. In a perfect world, tolls would indeed go toward the highway they are collected on, but we all know that there will always be a secret tap that will funnel the funds toward something that has absolutely nothing to do with the maintenance of said highway, or even transportation in general (and that CT Lottery money has done soooo much to fund education like it was originally supposed to). If they did go to their intended target, I would be a little less reluctant to pay them. But they don't, and I'm sure RI has the same spending problem, which means they'll cry poverty and make the tolls on all vehicles (and by placing them on just trucks, we all know who subsidizes them in the end; the consumer of the goods carried on those trucks in the form of higher retail prices). But as far as I-95 exit renumbering: how can RI cry poverty when that was supposed to be federally funded? Guess someone has been dipping their hand in the cookie jar there.
Quote from: shadyjay on July 25, 2021, 10:03:09 PM
And are they still crying poverty as the reason why they're not yet changing I-95's exit numbers in RI?
I suspect that Rohde Island (and perhaps Connecticut also) are stalling on converting their remaining highways to mile-based exit numbering to see if the Biden-Harris Administration will entertain a request to retain sequential exit numbers on the highways that haven't been converted. Meanwhile the governor of New Hampshire has been a bit more blunt in his opposition to adopting mile-based exit numbers, pretty much telling the FHWA to "go pound sand" with its mandate for states to adopt mile-based exit numbering.
Quote from: abqtraveler on July 26, 2021, 11:00:32 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on July 25, 2021, 10:03:09 PM
And are they still crying poverty as the reason why they're not yet changing I-95's exit numbers in RI?
I suspect that Rohde Island (and perhaps Connecticut also) are stalling on converting their remaining highways to mile-based exit numbering to see if the Biden-Harris Administration will entertain a request to retain sequential exit numbers on the highways that haven't been converted. Meanwhile the governor of New Hampshire has been a bit more blunt in his opposition to adopting mile-based exit numbers, pretty much telling the FHWA to "go pound sand" with its mandate for states to adopt mile-based exit numbering.
CT's plan has always been to change the numbers only when a highway is completely re-signed. The current signing projects on CT 9, CT 72 and a couple more small sections of CT 17, CT 82, and US 5/CT 15 are coming along s-l-o-w-l-y, but they are progressing, and there is a project that will begin next near on CT 2, CT 3, CT 11, and another small section of CT 17. The heavy hitters (2di's) aren't planned to be converted till at least 2028. Meanwhile, RI is all done except I-95; they've come so far, why not just finish it and be consistent?
Especially as I-95 is the road that would have the greatest benefit from mile-based numbers in RI, traversing the rural part of the state before entering the Providence area.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on July 26, 2021, 02:13:45 AM
Border tolls are prohibited by the Interstate Commerce Clause of the Constitution, which is why Lamont's hare-brained toll on I-684 in Greenwich would have never flown; 90% of those charged would be New Yorkers. You could get away with the ones on I-395, but that would put quite a few shunpikers on CT 32. In a perfect world, tolls would indeed go toward the highway they are collected on, but we all know that there will always be a secret tap that will funnel the funds toward something that has absolutely nothing to do with the maintenance of said highway, or even transportation in general (and that CT Lottery money has done soooo much to fund education like it was originally supposed to). If they did go to their intended target, I would be a little less reluctant to pay them. But they don't, and I'm sure RI has the same spending problem, which means they'll cry poverty and make the tolls on all vehicles (and by placing them on just trucks, we all know who subsidizes them in the end; the consumer of the goods carried on those trucks in the form of higher retail prices). But as far as I-95 exit renumbering: how can RI cry poverty when that was supposed to be federally funded? Guess someone has been dipping their hand in the cookie jar there.
Federal funds tend to be distributed in pots of money and not on a per-project basis. Funding one project from that pot means less funding available for other eligible projects. If something came up, or another project needed the funding, or even if the state match (presuming there is one) is no longer affordable, then the funds might get transferred elsewhere - especially as COVID probably hit their budget with lower tax revenue and people driving less last year.
Quote from: abqtraveler on July 26, 2021, 11:00:32 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on July 25, 2021, 10:03:09 PM
And are they still crying poverty as the reason why they're not yet changing I-95's exit numbers in RI?
I suspect that Rohde Island (and perhaps Connecticut also) are stalling on converting their remaining highways to mile-based exit numbering to see if the Biden-Harris Administration will entertain a request to retain sequential exit numbers on the highways that haven't been converted. Meanwhile the governor of New Hampshire has been a bit more blunt in his opposition to adopting mile-based exit numbers, pretty much telling the FHWA to "go pound sand" with its mandate for states to adopt mile-based exit numbering.
FHWA already "penalized" states who did not meet a bridge condition standard by forcing them to setaside a portion of NHPP funding to go towards bridge work (called, unimaginatively Bridge Penalty funding).
I could see them doing the same thing with NH. I mean, all the other states have at least given it lipservice. Seems to me NH is being less than wise given other recent FHWA "disciplinary" actions.
Doesn't NH already lose some funding due to not mandating seatbelts? They might be willing to lose some over this, too - or at least, their current governor probably is.
Drove by Exit 3 on I-95 in RI recently. Noticed new foundations for new signage just before the rest area and Exit 3 SB. Also, looks like some consolidation work for Exit 3 as well.
Drove on the Henderson Bridge and noticed the WB lanes of the bridge are gone. Two-way traffic on the EB lanes only. All the button copy still in place as of now.
Pics from before work started:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51056398618_776964f515_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48259367832_0d320d111d_c.jpg)
Quote from: Mergingtraffic on August 15, 2021, 07:29:31 PM
Drove by Exit 3 on I-95 in RI recently. Noticed new foundations for new signage just before the rest area and Exit 3 SB. Also, looks like some consolidation work for Exit 3 as well.
Drove on the Henderson Bridge and noticed the WB lanes of the bridge are gone. Two-way traffic on the EB lanes only. All the button copy still in place as of now.
Pics from before work started:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51056398618_776964f515_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48259367832_0d320d111d_c.jpg)
Someone at RIDOT saw the Niagra Scenic Parkway and got an idea...
What is the latest on the I-95 exit renumbering project? From what I read, this project was supposed to start in late 2020, but I see no news about any progress let alone completion.
Quote from: chays on August 24, 2021, 01:02:24 AM
What is the latest on the I-95 exit renumbering project? From what I read, this project was supposed to start in late 2020, but I see no news about any progress let alone completion.
Last update I got back in the spring is that RIDOT needs additional funding to complete the exit renumbering on I-95. There's no timetable at this time as to when that may happen.
Maybe one of us should start a GoFundMe page to raise the money to change the exit numbers along Interstate 95. I know that most people wouldn't contribute because they could care less, but it would be nice if there were GoFundMe pages for road improvements.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on August 24, 2021, 10:16:21 PM
Maybe one of us should start a GoFundMe page to raise the money to change the exit numbers along Interstate 95. I know that most people wouldn't contribute because they could care less, but it would be nice if there were GoFundMe pages for road improvements.
Given the cost to do it in Massachusetts, I estimated the cost to do 95 in RI is around $500K. Given that the state only has to pay 10%, it's a mere $50K. I imagine there are many no-show jobs that could be slashed (all you need is one of them) to pay for that.
Quote from: abqtraveler on August 24, 2021, 09:43:07 AM
Quote from: chays on August 24, 2021, 01:02:24 AM
What is the latest on the I-95 exit renumbering project? From what I read, this project was supposed to start in late 2020, but I see no news about any progress let alone completion.
Last update I got back in the spring is that RIDOT needs additional funding to complete the exit renumbering on I-95. There's no timetable at this time as to when that may happen.
I wonder if these funding woes are also delaying the Route 146 signage replacement project as well. They finished the North Smithfield contract, but the Providence to Lincoln contract remains in limbo. The last movement on the project was the supplemental exit number signs.
Its the end of an era....
The last mainline rest area that is not a rest area is finally being re-signed properly... as a "Parking Area". The parking areas between Exits 3/4 & 5 on I-95 have been signed as "Rest Areas" for many many years. And there hasn't been any "NO FACILITIES" tacked on, either, so the unsuspecting motorist could pull in and look for restrooms (or a building) and find.... nothing. Today, I observed crews installing the new PARKING AREA signs.
Massachusetts introduced us to the "Parking Area" signing first. Prior to that, they were either signed as "Picnic Areas" or "Rest Area-No Facilities".
Vermont came next. Several of its rest areas were converted to "Parking Areas" when the facility building got removed.
And now, finally RI joins the pack. (CT, NH, and ME haven't had any "Rest Area-No Facilities" in recent years, so never got the "Parking Area" treatment).
Quote from: shadyjay on September 08, 2021, 10:07:51 PM
Its the end of an era....
The last mainline rest area that is not a rest area is finally being re-signed properly... as a "Parking Area". The parking areas between Exits 3/4 & 5 on I-95 have been signed as "Rest Areas" for many many years. And there hasn't been any "NO FACILITIES" tacked on, either, so the unsuspecting motorist could pull in and look for restrooms (or a building) and find.... nothing. Today, I observed crews installing the new PARKING AREA signs.
Massachusetts introduced us to the "Parking Area" signing first. Prior to that, they were either signed as "Picnic Areas" or "Rest Area-No Facilities".
Vermont came next. Several of its rest areas were converted to "Parking Areas" when the facility building got removed.
And now, finally RI joins the pack. (CT, NH, and ME haven't had any "Rest Area-No Facilities" in recent years, so never got the "Parking Area" treatment).
NYSTA changed their Parking Areas to "Text Stops" about five years back.
They added "TEXT STOP" to the top of "PARKING AREA" in New York. They have pretty stiff fines for texting while driving, hence why the addition.
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6091034,-73.7836007,3a,15y,196.97h,87.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swxGXHlrokG8DrhfuwZRqOA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Quote from: shadyjay on September 09, 2021, 06:19:44 PM
They added "TEXT STOP" to the top of "PARKING AREA" in New York. They have pretty stiff fines for texting while driving, hence why the addition.
https://www.google.com/maps/@42.6091034,-73.7836007,3a,15y,196.97h,87.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swxGXHlrokG8DrhfuwZRqOA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Exactly. They didn't "change" anything, just added additional nomenclature to emphasize not to text while driving. I don't know why people keep insisting they were "changed". Nobody removed "parking area" or "rest area" from the signs.
Quote from: southshore720 on August 25, 2021, 12:35:57 PM
Quote from: abqtraveler on August 24, 2021, 09:43:07 AM
Quote from: chays on August 24, 2021, 01:02:24 AM
What is the latest on the I-95 exit renumbering project? From what I read, this project was supposed to start in late 2020, but I see no news about any progress let alone completion.
Last update I got back in the spring is that RIDOT needs additional funding to complete the exit renumbering on I-95. There's no timetable at this time as to when that may happen.
I wonder if these funding woes are also delaying the Route 146 signage replacement project as well. They finished the North Smithfield contract, but the Providence to Lincoln contract remains in limbo. The last movement on the project was the supplemental exit number signs.
Any updates on completing the Rte 146 signing project from Providence to Lincoln? Is the pandemic/supply chain to blame for the delays?
Quote from: southshore720 on November 17, 2021, 01:56:17 PM
Quote from: southshore720 on August 25, 2021, 12:35:57 PM
Quote from: abqtraveler on August 24, 2021, 09:43:07 AM
Quote from: chays on August 24, 2021, 01:02:24 AM
What is the latest on the I-95 exit renumbering project? From what I read, this project was supposed to start in late 2020, but I see no news about any progress let alone completion.
Last update I got back in the spring is that RIDOT needs additional funding to complete the exit renumbering on I-95. There's no timetable at this time as to when that may happen.
I wonder if these funding woes are also delaying the Route 146 signage replacement project as well. They finished the North Smithfield contract, but the Providence to Lincoln contract remains in limbo. The last movement on the project was the supplemental exit number signs.
Any updates on completing the Rte 146 signing project from Providence to Lincoln? Is the pandemic/supply chain to blame for the delays?
Okay, there's about a trillion dollars in infrastructure money about to rain down on every state, so I would find it hard for RIDOT to come up with an excuse not to finish the Rt 146 signing and renumbering exits on I-95.
Ramp from RI 10 North to US 6 West now open:
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/42505 (https://www.ri.gov/press/view/42505)
Quote from: bob7374 on November 19, 2021, 09:44:22 PM
Ramp from RI 10 North to US 6 West now open:
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/42505 (https://www.ri.gov/press/view/42505)
Additional news coverage:
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/new-flyover-ramp-in-providence-opens-to-traffic-provides-first-direct-connection-to-western-ri/
There is also a drone video within the site above that shows the new ramp.
Is the new ramp signed as Exit 6B?
Quote from: yakra on November 21, 2021, 12:43:33 PM
Is the new ramp signed as Exit 6B?
It's Exit 3B, as part the milepost exit system put in place in 2019.
Henderson Bridge button copy still hanging on. The Exit is closed but the sign hasn't been touched.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51687743594_9faaa26141_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2mKtcp1)
Quote from: bob7374 on November 21, 2021, 03:16:46 PM
It's Exit 3B, as part the milepost exit system put in place in 2019.
Oops, 'swhat I meant. Musta gotten confused by the route number (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=10694.0;topicseen). :pan:
I drove on RI 10 North the other night and there is no permanent BGS signage yet for New Exit 3B to US 6 West. There are temporary orange construction signs, but they are small and can easily be missed. You almost have to be "in the know" to know the ramp's existence and to be prepared to exit left. Unsure if GPS has recorded the new movement yet.
And knowing RIDOT's signing practices, that's all we are going to get. Once the temp construction signs fall down they will put paper-thin sheet metal LGSs at the gore and mayyyybe 1/4 mile advance. Ground mount, on the right hand side on the road, with all-caps-but-still-too-small lettering.
Any updates on completing the Rte 146 signing project from Providence to Lincoln? Is the pandemic/supply chain to blame for the delays?
Like the I-95 mileage exit # renumbering, this also went out for re-advertisement/re-bid. Bids in by 2/2022 and a completion date of 6/2024. I still don't understand why this was broken up into two contracts.
Quote from: southshore720 on December 05, 2021, 09:13:35 PM
Any updates on completing the Rte 146 signing project from Providence to Lincoln? Is the pandemic/supply chain to blame for the delays?
Like the I-95 mileage exit # renumbering, this also went out for re-advertisement/re-bid. Bids in by 2/2022 and a completion date of 6/2024. I still don't understand why this was broken up into two contracts.
Are the two signing contracts for Rt 146 complete sign replacements? If so, getting the project done in 2 years would still be faster than the time it takes Connecticut to do the same thing there.
Quote from: abqtraveler on December 06, 2021, 08:56:46 AM
Quote from: southshore720 on December 05, 2021, 09:13:35 PM
Any updates on completing the Rte 146 signing project from Providence to Lincoln? Is the pandemic/supply chain to blame for the delays?
Like the I-95 mileage exit # renumbering, this also went out for re-advertisement/re-bid. Bids in by 2/2022 and a completion date of 6/2024. I still don't understand why this was broken up into two contracts.
Are the two signing contracts for Rt 146 complete sign replacements? If so, getting the project done in 2 years would still be faster than the time it takes Connecticut to do the same thing there.
Yes, full replacements. And you are absolutely right about CT!!
Article regarding the deterioration of the Mt. Hope Bridge:
https://www.golocalprov.com/news/potential-exposure-1b-ris-mount-hope-bridge-is-in-critical-need-of-repair-s?fbclid=IwAR2AOwDG84eQG0MY1hM3CD7BjOP6-QT7LYfixs8suxiUU-BjXnoQS66uCcA
Work is getting started on the rebuilding of the Washington Bridge (http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/WashingtonBridge/index.php) in Providence
The structurally deficient bridge is being refurbished and major operational improvements will be made:
-Partial widening to provide five continuous lanes of I-195 westbound traffic over the bridge.
-A new bridge structure in East Providence to carry traffic from the Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue/Veterans Memorial Parkway on-ramps over the new off-ramp to Waterfront Drive.
-A new bridge structure to carry traffic from Gano Street in Providence onto I-195 westbound.
-Restriping of I-195 westbound from the Broadway overpass to the new Waterfront Drive off-ramp to allow four lanes of through traffic on the mainline, eliminating the current lane drop at Broadway.
-Adding a through lane on the western end of the Washington Bridge to reduce the weaving movements between the Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue/Veterans Memorial Parkway on-ramps and the Gano Street off-ramp.
Rhode Island is really making some impressive improvements to its highways.
RIDOT has issued a contract for the construction of a new overpass on RI 146. That will make the road entire a freeway out to the Massachusetts border and leaves just one unimproved section between Providence and Worcester
More info on the (much-needed) 146 project:
https://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/Route146/index.php
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 19, 2022, 07:17:20 AM
More info on the (much-needed) 146 project:
https://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/Route146/index.php
Incredible. Hope it stays on schedule.
It looks like everything between RI 99 and RI 146A will have to be plowed down to make these improvements. Do the locals support upgrading this segment of RI 146?
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 19, 2022, 02:25:12 PM
It looks like everything between RI 99 and RI 146A will have to be plowed down to make these improvements. Do the locals support upgrading this segment of RI 146?
They're not adding any travel lanes. That dotted line just shows where they're adding wrong way signals and modifying acceleration ramps
Quote from: kernals12 on April 19, 2022, 04:50:26 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 19, 2022, 02:25:12 PM
It looks like everything between RI 99 and RI 146A will have to be plowed down to make these improvements. Do the locals support upgrading this segment of RI 146?
They're not adding any travel lanes. That dotted line just shows where they're adding wrong way signals and modifying acceleration ramps
The page says something about building frontage roads. Are those not going to get rid of all the driveways directly on RI 146? Many of those homes/businesses seem rather close.
Quote from: vdeane on April 19, 2022, 08:17:05 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on April 19, 2022, 04:50:26 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 19, 2022, 02:25:12 PM
It looks like everything between RI 99 and RI 146A will have to be plowed down to make these improvements. Do the locals support upgrading this segment of RI 146?
They're not adding any travel lanes. That dotted line just shows where they're adding wrong way signals and modifying acceleration ramps
The page says something about building frontage roads. Are those not going to get rid of all the driveways directly on RI 146? Many of those homes/businesses seem rather close.
I noticed that too. If RIDOT built this out, the businesses would probably relocate. Rhode Island isn't exactly a state known for building frontage roads, I'm curious as to how this would work.
Quote from: vdeane on April 19, 2022, 08:17:05 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on April 19, 2022, 04:50:26 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 19, 2022, 02:25:12 PM
It looks like everything between RI 99 and RI 146A will have to be plowed down to make these improvements. Do the locals support upgrading this segment of RI 146?
They're not adding any travel lanes. That dotted line just shows where they're adding wrong way signals and modifying acceleration ramps
The page says something about building frontage roads. Are those not going to get rid of all the driveways directly on RI 146? Many of those homes/businesses seem rather close.
It looks like they are in fact planning to do that. Luckily it appears the buildings have setbacks large enough to accommodate it.
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on April 19, 2022, 08:38:12 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 19, 2022, 08:17:05 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on April 19, 2022, 04:50:26 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 19, 2022, 02:25:12 PM
It looks like everything between RI 99 and RI 146A will have to be plowed down to make these improvements. Do the locals support upgrading this segment of RI 146?
They're not adding any travel lanes. That dotted line just shows where they're adding wrong way signals and modifying acceleration ramps
The page says something about building frontage roads. Are those not going to get rid of all the driveways directly on RI 146? Many of those homes/businesses seem rather close.
I noticed that too. If RIDOT built this out, the businesses would probably relocate. Rhode Island isn't exactly a state known for building frontage roads, I'm curious as to how this would work.
I hope they start a trend in the region
I doubt the car dealerships will move. They've been there forever. The other major business on that stretch is the Drive-In Movie Theater, and that is set back enough not to take a hit.
Quote from: kernals12 on December 17, 2021, 08:16:05 PM
Work is getting started on the rebuilding of the Washington Bridge (http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/WashingtonBridge/index.php) in Providence
The structurally deficient bridge is being refurbished and major operational improvements will be made:
-Partial widening to provide five continuous lanes of I-195 westbound traffic over the bridge.
-A new bridge structure in East Providence to carry traffic from the Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue/Veterans Memorial Parkway on-ramps over the new off-ramp to Waterfront Drive.
-A new bridge structure to carry traffic from Gano Street in Providence onto I-195 westbound.
-Restriping of I-195 westbound from the Broadway overpass to the new Waterfront Drive off-ramp to allow four lanes of through traffic on the mainline, eliminating the current lane drop at Broadway.
-Adding a through lane on the western end of the Washington Bridge to reduce the weaving movements between the Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue/Veterans Memorial Parkway on-ramps and the Gano Street off-ramp.
Rhode Island is really making some impressive improvements to its highways.
RI is truly an example of what happens when you neglect your roads and bridges.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on May 31, 2022, 07:31:51 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on December 17, 2021, 08:16:05 PM
Work is getting started on the rebuilding of the Washington Bridge (http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/WashingtonBridge/index.php) in Providence
The structurally deficient bridge is being refurbished and major operational improvements will be made:
-Partial widening to provide five continuous lanes of I-195 westbound traffic over the bridge.
-A new bridge structure in East Providence to carry traffic from the Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue/Veterans Memorial Parkway on-ramps over the new off-ramp to Waterfront Drive.
-A new bridge structure to carry traffic from Gano Street in Providence onto I-195 westbound.
-Restriping of I-195 westbound from the Broadway overpass to the new Waterfront Drive off-ramp to allow four lanes of through traffic on the mainline, eliminating the current lane drop at Broadway.
-Adding a through lane on the western end of the Washington Bridge to reduce the weaving movements between the Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue/Veterans Memorial Parkway on-ramps and the Gano Street off-ramp.
Rhode Island is really making some impressive improvements to its highways.
RI is truly an example of what happens when you neglect your roads and bridges.
I think Massachusetts is making a better example of that.
Quote from: kernals12 on May 31, 2022, 08:35:33 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on May 31, 2022, 07:31:51 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on December 17, 2021, 08:16:05 PM
Work is getting started on the rebuilding of the Washington Bridge (http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/WashingtonBridge/index.php) in Providence
The structurally deficient bridge is being refurbished and major operational improvements will be made:
-Partial widening to provide five continuous lanes of I-195 westbound traffic over the bridge.
-A new bridge structure in East Providence to carry traffic from the Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue/Veterans Memorial Parkway on-ramps over the new off-ramp to Waterfront Drive.
-A new bridge structure to carry traffic from Gano Street in Providence onto I-195 westbound.
-Restriping of I-195 westbound from the Broadway overpass to the new Waterfront Drive off-ramp to allow four lanes of through traffic on the mainline, eliminating the current lane drop at Broadway.
-Adding a through lane on the western end of the Washington Bridge to reduce the weaving movements between the Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue/Veterans Memorial Parkway on-ramps and the Gano Street off-ramp.
Rhode Island is really making some impressive improvements to its highways.
RI is truly an example of what happens when you neglect your roads and bridges.
I think Massachusetts is making a better example of that.
Connecticut has got them both beat, hands down.
Quote from: abqtraveler on June 01, 2022, 08:59:26 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 31, 2022, 08:35:33 PM
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on May 31, 2022, 07:31:51 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on December 17, 2021, 08:16:05 PM
Work is getting started on the rebuilding of the Washington Bridge (http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/WashingtonBridge/index.php) in Providence
The structurally deficient bridge is being refurbished and major operational improvements will be made:
-Partial widening to provide five continuous lanes of I-195 westbound traffic over the bridge.
-A new bridge structure in East Providence to carry traffic from the Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue/Veterans Memorial Parkway on-ramps over the new off-ramp to Waterfront Drive.
-A new bridge structure to carry traffic from Gano Street in Providence onto I-195 westbound.
-Restriping of I-195 westbound from the Broadway overpass to the new Waterfront Drive off-ramp to allow four lanes of through traffic on the mainline, eliminating the current lane drop at Broadway.
-Adding a through lane on the western end of the Washington Bridge to reduce the weaving movements between the Taunton Avenue/Warren Avenue/Veterans Memorial Parkway on-ramps and the Gano Street off-ramp.
Rhode Island is really making some impressive improvements to its highways.
RI is truly an example of what happens when you neglect your roads and bridges.
I think Massachusetts is making a better example of that.
Connecticut has got them both beat, hands down.
IIRC, statistically, RI had the most structurally deficient bridges in America, followed by CT and then MA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLq89ZLxlGM
Here's the video of the overview of the RI-146 Reconstruction project.
Rhode Island gets this, we Bay Staters get a train line for the 12 people who commute from Fall River to Boston
RIDOT is now proceeding with the "Cranston Canyon" project: updating I-295 from RI-37 to RI-14. The area definitely needs improvement.
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/west-bay/ridot-breaks-ground-on-85-million-cranston-canyon-project/
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 28, 2022, 05:28:45 AM
RIDOT is now proceeding with the "Cranston Canyon" project: updating I-295 from RI-37 to RI-14. The area definitely needs improvement.
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/west-bay/ridot-breaks-ground-on-85-million-cranston-canyon-project/
This is welcome news, I-295 through there is a mess for commuters. But why stop at RI 14? Wouldn't it make sense to extend the 3 lane section up to US 6?
It is; the RIDOT project website has it planned under Phase 3 (which I'm sure will take much longer, but still).
http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/CranstonCanyon/docs/Final%20Signed%202020%20BUILD%20Cranston%20Canyon%20Narrative.pdf
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 28, 2022, 08:39:52 AM
It is; the RIDOT project website has it planned under Phase 3 (which I'm sure will take much longer, but still).
http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/CranstonCanyon/docs/Final%20Signed%202020%20BUILD%20Cranston%20Canyon%20Narrative.pdf
I'm guessing only the present project is funded for the RI-37 to RI-14 stretch.
I-95 in RI is finally getting mileage-based exit numbers.
https://www.wpri.com/dont-miss/ri-to-renumber-i-95-exits-heres-what-your-new-number-will-be/
Took them long enough!
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 13, 2022, 12:48:31 PM
Took them long enough!
Not sure why it took so long, since the other roads were completed in 2020. Also interesting that the state will begin on July 31, in the heart of the summer travel season.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 16, 2022, 06:52:12 AM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 13, 2022, 12:48:31 PM
Took them long enough!
Not sure why it took so long, since the other roads were completed in 2020. Also interesting that the state will begin on July 31, in the heart of the summer travel season.
It was "cost", and by cost they said it was $500K project, and the feds were paying 90%, meaning they literally didn't have $50K lying around to do it.
RIDOT to open permanent RI 10 South to US 6 West ramp on Friday (8/19):
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/44198 (https://www.ri.gov/press/view/44198)
Quote from: bob7374 on August 17, 2022, 10:52:36 PM
RIDOT to open permanent RI 10 South to US 6 West ramp on Friday (8/19):
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/44198 (https://www.ri.gov/press/view/44198)
About time; the present configuration with the construction is white-knuckle inducing.
The Dean St./Atwells Ave. interchange should have been numbered Exit 4A, and Memorial Blvd. should have been numbered Exit 4B. The US 6 Dennis J. Roberts Expressway should have gotten exit numbers too.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on August 19, 2022, 01:45:15 PM
The Dean St./Atwells Ave. interchange should have been numbered Exit 4A, and Memorial Blvd. should have been numbered Exit 4B. The US 6 Dennis J. Roberts Expressway should have gotten exit numbers too.
Since those interchanges are technically US 6 interchanges, they remained unnumbered. However, if US 6 got exit numbers, here is what they could look like:
Exit 15 (WB ONLY): I-295 South (no # for 295 North since it's on the c/d road).
Exit 16: RI 5
Exit 17 (WB ONLY): US 6A
Exit 18: RI 128
Exit 19: Hartford Ave (EB); US 6A West (WB)
Exit 20A (NB)/Exit 20 (SB): RI 10 South
Exit 20B (EB ONLY): Broadway
Exit 20C: Dean St/Atwell Ave
Exit 21A (I-95 Exit 37B WB): Memorial Blvd
Exit 21B (EB ONLY): I-95 North
If that happened, I would truncate RI 10 to the split and give the US 6 West to RI 10 South an exit number. I also didn't give the 6 East to 95 South movement a number since it is mainline US 6.
Indeed, the US 6 expressway should get numbers. However, RI seems to have a problem with mile markers on US routes. US 6 mile 0 is at the US 6/I-295 interchange, with mile 1 being just west of the RI 5 interchange, as seen here:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8183057,-71.5027591,3a,30y,137.02h,87.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sj92qIKIQUPQHB6jMujN0pg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Its almost as if RIDOT designates the US 6 expressway as another route, even though the US 6 shield appears on the milepost.
And its not just a one-off. Down in Westerly, US 1 Mile 0 is just east of the US 1/RI 78 intersection in Westerly.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3569602,-71.8069903,3a,75y,135.01h,85.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srd2jxOXJmQAvgFpQlNVhRA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
I don't know what both routes west of these locations are designated as far as mileposts go, or why RIDOT mile-marker'ed them this way.
Quote from: shadyjay on August 19, 2022, 07:36:55 PM
Indeed, the US 6 expressway should get numbers. However, RI seems to have a problem with mile markers on US routes. US 6 mile 0 is at the US 6/I-295 interchange, with mile 1 being just west of the RI 5 interchange, as seen here:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8183057,-71.5027591,3a,30y,137.02h,87.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sj92qIKIQUPQHB6jMujN0pg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Its almost as if RIDOT designates the US 6 expressway as another route, even though the US 6 shield appears on the milepost.
And its not just a one-off. Down in Westerly, US 1 Mile 0 is just east of the US 1/RI 78 intersection in Westerly.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3569602,-71.8069903,3a,75y,135.01h,85.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srd2jxOXJmQAvgFpQlNVhRA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
I don't know what both routes west of these locations are designated as far as mileposts go, or why RIDOT mile-marker'ed them this way.
It could be that RIDOT considers the freeway mileage to be separate from the rest of US 6. The only other example of this in Rhode Island is RI 138. I can't remember if there's mile markers on that freeway. If there are, do they use miles from the Connecticut border?
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on August 19, 2022, 09:59:27 PM
Quote from: shadyjay on August 19, 2022, 07:36:55 PM
Indeed, the US 6 expressway should get numbers. However, RI seems to have a problem with mile markers on US routes. US 6 mile 0 is at the US 6/I-295 interchange, with mile 1 being just west of the RI 5 interchange, as seen here:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8183057,-71.5027591,3a,30y,137.02h,87.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sj92qIKIQUPQHB6jMujN0pg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Its almost as if RIDOT designates the US 6 expressway as another route, even though the US 6 shield appears on the milepost.
And its not just a one-off. Down in Westerly, US 1 Mile 0 is just east of the US 1/RI 78 intersection in Westerly.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3569602,-71.8069903,3a,75y,135.01h,85.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srd2jxOXJmQAvgFpQlNVhRA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
I don't know what both routes west of these locations are designated as far as mileposts go, or why RIDOT mile-marker'ed them this way.
It could be that RIDOT considers the freeway mileage to be separate from the rest of US 6. The only other example of this in Rhode Island is RI 138. I can't remember if there's mile markers on that freeway. If there are, do they use miles from the Connecticut border?
PennDOT marks the US 6 expressway east of Scranton the same way; starting at Mile 0 when it really should be about 336 or 337
Quote from: shadyjay on August 19, 2022, 07:36:55 PM
Indeed, the US 6 expressway should get numbers. However, RI seems to have a problem with mile markers on US routes. US 6 mile 0 is at the US 6/I-295 interchange, with mile 1 being just west of the RI 5 interchange, as seen here:
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.8183057,-71.5027591,3a,30y,137.02h,87.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sj92qIKIQUPQHB6jMujN0pg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Its almost as if RIDOT designates the US 6 expressway as another route, even though the US 6 shield appears on the milepost.
And its not just a one-off. Down in Westerly, US 1 Mile 0 is just east of the US 1/RI 78 intersection in Westerly.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3569602,-71.8069903,3a,75y,135.01h,85.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srd2jxOXJmQAvgFpQlNVhRA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
I don't know what both routes west of these locations are designated as far as mileposts go, or why RIDOT mile-marker'ed them this way.
US 1 west of RI-78 is a local road, much different than the highway that 1 is from 78 all the way to its junction with Ri-4. That could be why RIDOT starts the mile marker where it does.
The rain is serious:
https://www.wpri.com/weather/severe-weather/flash-floods-possible-as-heavy-rain-moves-through/
Those truck tolls seems to have allowed Rhode Island to dream big on highway improvements. They've got lots of great stuff in their Long Range Plan (https://planning.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur826/files/documents/LRTP/LRTP-app/AppendixE.pdf)
-Construction of missing ramps on Route 403 at West Davisville and Post Roads
-Improvements to Route 37/I-95 interchange
-Grade Separation of Route 114/Mink Road Intersection
-Collector/Distributor Lane on I-95 SB between Route 146 and 6/10
-Construction of missing moves at Route 4/I-95
-Grade separation of Route 4
Quote from: kernals12 on September 10, 2022, 06:16:42 AM
Those truck tolls seems to have allowed Rhode Island to dream big on highway improvements. They've got lots of great stuff in their Long Range Plan (https://planning.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur826/files/documents/LRTP/LRTP-app/AppendixE.pdf)
-Construction of missing ramps on Route 403 at West Davisville and Post Roads
-Improvements to Route 37/I-95 interchange
-Grade Separation of Route 114/Mink Road Intersection
-Collector/Distributor Lane on I-95 SB between Route 146 and 6/10
-Construction of missing moves at Route 4/I-95
-Grade separation of Route 4
Meanwhile, the state appears to be making progress on perhaps the most challenging area of the state:
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/pinpoint-traffic/pinpoint-traffic-traffic-shifting-onto-new-portion-of-providence-viaduct/
More on I-95 work in Providence.
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/pay-attention-ridot-shifting-traffic-onto-new-providence-viaduct/
It appears the truck only tolls statewide are shut down as of 7 pm on September 21st, due to a federal judge stating they are unconstitutional and that "the tolling program violated the U.S. Constitution's commerce clause as well as federal law":
https://www.wpri.com/news/politics/judge-sides-with-trucking-industry-in-lawsuit-over-ri-truck-tolls/
https://www.wpri.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/09/trucking-association-decision.pdf
QuotePROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – A federal judge on Wednesday sided with the trucking industry in a long-running lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Rhode Island's new network of truck tolls, delivering a major blow to the state's policy on transportation funding.
In a 91-page decision issued at 11 a.m., U.S. District Judge William Smith said the tolling program violated the U.S. Constitution's commerce clause as well as federal law. He said the state is "permanently enjoined from charging or collecting tolls ... or from enforcing nonpayment of such tolls through penalty" 48 hours from release of his decision.
"RhodeWorks fails to fairly apportion its tolls among bridge users based on a fair approximation of their use of the bridges, was enacted with a discriminatory purpose, and is discriminatory in effect," Smith wrote.
Why was this not an issue for Exits 1-6 (old numbering) of the Mass Pike before they started tolling everyone?
swing and a miss. RI is strong in the business of putting up AET gantries that get deactivated.
https://www.heraldnews.com/story/news/2014/07/08/sakonnet-river-bridge-tolls-are/36879611007/
How wasn't there a statue of limitations on litigation on this (in NY, there is a date by which legal challenges must be filed)? Shouldn't the court challenge have come up during development/design when RI went through public outreach?
Yeesh. What a botch by RI government...
Quote from: 1 on September 22, 2022, 11:24:54 AM
Why was this not an issue for Exits 1-6 (old numbering) of the Mass Pike before they started tolling everyone?
Because, technically the tolls for cars on that stretch were not officially eliminated; they were just reduced to $0. Still needed a ticket. The tolls in RI were never there and only implemented on trucks from Jump Street.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on September 22, 2022, 01:05:35 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 22, 2022, 11:24:54 AM
Why was this not an issue for Exits 1-6 (old numbering) of the Mass Pike before they started tolling everyone?
Because, technically the tolls for cars on that stretch were not officially eliminated; they were just reduced to $0. Still needed a ticket. The tolls in RI were never there and only implemented on trucks from Jump Street.
That just sounds like tolling trucks only with extra steps.
Quote from: SectorZ on September 22, 2022, 01:08:03 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on September 22, 2022, 01:05:35 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 22, 2022, 11:24:54 AM
Why was this not an issue for Exits 1-6 (old numbering) of the Mass Pike before they started tolling everyone?
Because, technically the tolls for cars on that stretch were not officially eliminated; they were just reduced to $0. Still needed a ticket. The tolls in RI were never there and only implemented on trucks from Jump Street.
That just sounds like tolling trucks only with extra steps.
Except that in MA the original system was already implemented and the reduction to $0 came 45 years or so after the fact. In RI, the system was designed specifically for trucks and never intended for cars. It's like the Obamacare penalty for not having insurance: it's still there legally, but it was reduced to $0 years after implementation.
The reduction to $0 was also always intended to be temporary.
Quote from: fwydriver405 on September 22, 2022, 11:21:54 AM
It appears the truck only tolls statewide are shut down as of 7 pm on September 21st, due to a federal judge stating they are unconstitutional and that "the tolling program violated the U.S. Constitution's commerce clause as well as federal law":
https://www.wpri.com/news/politics/judge-sides-with-trucking-industry-in-lawsuit-over-ri-truck-tolls/
https://www.wpri.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/09/trucking-association-decision.pdf
QuotePROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – A federal judge on Wednesday sided with the trucking industry in a long-running lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Rhode Island's new network of truck tolls, delivering a major blow to the state's policy on transportation funding.
In a 91-page decision issued at 11 a.m., U.S. District Judge William Smith said the tolling program violated the U.S. Constitution's commerce clause as well as federal law. He said the state is "permanently enjoined from charging or collecting tolls ... or from enforcing nonpayment of such tolls through penalty" 48 hours from release of his decision.
"RhodeWorks fails to fairly apportion its tolls among bridge users based on a fair approximation of their use of the bridges, was enacted with a discriminatory purpose, and is discriminatory in effect," Smith wrote.
I would expect Rhode Island to appeal the judge's ruling, in hope of the US Circuit Court of Appeals or perhaps the US Supreme Court overturning the lower court's ruling and allowing truck tolling to resume. This fight is not over yet.
Quote from: Rothman on September 22, 2022, 11:29:41 AM
How wasn't there a statue of limitations on litigation on this (in NY, there is a date by which legal challenges must be filed)? Shouldn't the court challenge have come up during development/design when RI went through public outreach?
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on September 22, 2022, 01:05:35 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 22, 2022, 11:24:54 AM
Why was this not an issue for Exits 1-6 (old numbering) of the Mass Pike before they started tolling everyone?
Because, technically the tolls for cars on that stretch were not officially eliminated; they were just reduced to $0. Still needed a ticket. The tolls in RI were never there and only implemented on trucks from Jump Street.
A bit off topic, but on the NY State Thruway, in 1997, why were passenger car (Class 2L?) tolls eliminated and made into a truck only toll? This is the only other truck toll in the Northeast I’m aware of currently besides RI’s RhodeWorks program, and briefly Exits 3-51 (Old Exits 1-6) on the Mass Pike from 1996-2013.
Quote from: Rothman on September 22, 2022, 01:24:27 PM
The reduction to $0 was also always intended to be temporary.
That was until they needed more money to finish the Big Dig. So they "increased" the toll on cars from "$0.00" to some amount they thought was appropriate to milk drivers in western Massachusetts.
More on the I-95/Providence viaduct
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/i-95-lanes-to-shift-onto-new-bridge-in-providence/
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on September 29, 2022, 12:43:09 PM
More on the I-95/Providence viaduct
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/i-95-lanes-to-shift-onto-new-bridge-in-providence/
That's awesome. I wish Massachusetts would invest in its highways like this
Quote from: kernals12 on September 29, 2022, 03:10:44 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on September 29, 2022, 12:43:09 PM
More on the I-95/Providence viaduct
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/i-95-lanes-to-shift-onto-new-bridge-in-providence/
That's awesome. I wish Massachusetts would invest in its highways like this
They did, it went multiple-times over budget and prevented the next bunch of similar things from being done.
Quote from: SectorZ on September 29, 2022, 03:43:14 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on September 29, 2022, 03:10:44 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on September 29, 2022, 12:43:09 PM
More on the I-95/Providence viaduct
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/i-95-lanes-to-shift-onto-new-bridge-in-providence/
That's awesome. I wish Massachusetts would invest in its highways like this
They did, it went multiple-times over budget and prevented the next bunch of similar things from being done.
A/k/a The Big Dig.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on September 29, 2022, 06:56:25 PM
Quote from: SectorZ on September 29, 2022, 03:43:14 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on September 29, 2022, 03:10:44 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on September 29, 2022, 12:43:09 PM
More on the I-95/Providence viaduct
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/i-95-lanes-to-shift-onto-new-bridge-in-providence/
That's awesome. I wish Massachusetts would invest in its highways like this
They did, it went multiple-times over budget and prevented the next bunch of similar things from being done.
A/k/a The Big Dig.
They were starting the same process over again with the T and Green Line Extension.
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/05/07/rush-get-going-officials-ignored-looming-trouble-with-green-line-extension/Ep7QNHJZMxGZ5pKvayVO6O/story.html?p1=Article_Related_Box_Article
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/mbta-green-line-extension-somerville-cambridge-boston-jon-keller-wbz/
Quote from: SectorZ on September 29, 2022, 03:43:14 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on September 29, 2022, 03:10:44 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on September 29, 2022, 12:43:09 PM
More on the I-95/Providence viaduct
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/i-95-lanes-to-shift-onto-new-bridge-in-providence/
That's awesome. I wish Massachusetts would invest in its highways like this
They did, it went multiple-times over budget and prevented the next bunch of similar things from being done.
Yeah other countries have it figured out but all we can do is point to the big dig and say "whelp we tried, it went over budget and took too long so no more doing that!" :banghead:
It looks like part of the new alignment of RI 138 in Newport coming off the Pell Bridge has opened even though the overall project isn't supposed to finish up until 2024. I'm not sure what exactly the road conditions are, or what the planned routings for RI 238 and RI 138A are, as both Google and OSM seem to have missed that this project is happening, and the satellite view and street view are both rather old.
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/44464
New RI license plate design delayed to January:
https://www.wpri.com/dont-miss/new-wave-license-plates-to-be-distributed-next-year/
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on October 10, 2022, 07:06:01 AM
New RI license plate design delayed to January:
https://www.wpri.com/dont-miss/new-wave-license-plates-to-be-distributed-next-year/
can they replace it with the bridge
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/ri-license-plate-design-finalists-unveiled/
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on October 10, 2022, 07:06:01 AM
New RI license plate design delayed to January:
https://www.wpri.com/dont-miss/new-wave-license-plates-to-be-distributed-next-year/
It's an uglier variant of the current plate. There were far better designs. I also don't think they did a good job advertising the voting because there would've been a bigger/better response if more people knew about it.
Quote from: southshore720 on October 10, 2022, 11:32:10 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on October 10, 2022, 07:06:01 AM
New RI license plate design delayed to January:
https://www.wpri.com/dont-miss/new-wave-license-plates-to-be-distributed-next-year/
It's an uglier variant of the current plate. There were far better designs. I also don't think they did a good job advertising the voting because there would've been a bigger/better response if more people knew about it.
I really liked the one with the Newport Pell Bridge in the background. That one looked pretty cool, however, people can't seem to let that wave design go.
Shockingly for Rhode Island, there was a ton of corruption behind the 6/10 interchange project.
https://www.golocalprov.com/news/how-ridot-director-bullied-covered-for-crimes-and-repeatedly-lied-on-the-6
I noticed a terrible error on RI 4 over Thanksgiving. They recently replaced the advance BGS signage for Exit 9 as part of the Division St. Bridge Replacement project. One problem...they posted the sign for Exit 9B (RI 4 NB) on the SB side, and vice versa. As it stands, drivers on RI 4 NB won't know to take Exit 9B for I-95 South since that sign is now on the wrong side of the road. :banghead: Hopefully RIDOT fixes this soon!
Quote from: southshore720 on November 28, 2022, 09:53:44 AM
I noticed a terrible error on RI 4 over Thanksgiving. They recently replaced the advance BGS signage for Exit 9 as part of the Division St. Bridge Replacement project. One problem...they posted the sign for Exit 9B (RI 4 NB) on the SB side, and vice versa. As it stands, drivers on RI 4 NB won't know to take Exit 9B for I-95 South since that sign is now on the wrong side of the road. :banghead: Hopefully RIDOT fixes this soon!
I think most RI drivers know to take Exit 9B (RI-401 west) to access I-95 south.......but you're right, out-of-state drivers may not. RIDOT should fix this soon.
I drove RI 4 for the first time ever earlier this week. The last time I was on this road was at some point I think in the 80s and it ended at the RI 2 exit.
Anyway, this is the SB "exit now" for Exit 9...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52532794773_00e7da35b8_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV)DSC03187 (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr
I did look in my "rear view" and saw an I-95 South shield on the NB signage, which I believe was the 1/4 mile advance (at Exit 9-A). Come to think of it, yes, the sign I posted above should be NB, since it has isolated "RI 401 West", when the SB direction provides access to both RI 401 East and West.
Maybe someone should drop a line to RIDOT about this. I did for ConnDOT a few months ago and the error was corrected quite quickly.
Regardless, having I-95 displayed here isn't a terrible idea. With the RI 4 exit being a left hand exit (with multiple lanes) from I-95 South, I bet its seen its fair share of motorists who have gotten in the wrong lane and have to get back. I-95 South in Salisbury, MA has similar "return to I-495" shields posted one exit later, giving motorists a second chance.
And the design of that pull-through... really? No control city? Something like "Narragansett/Newport" would work (and should be posted on I-95 instead of "North Kingstown"). Or ideally, "Shore Points" would be nice too, but we all know the MUTCD doesn't like that.
That reminds me: I wish RIDOT would use Newport as a control at the NB exit for RI 138. SB using Richmond/South Kingstown is fine, but Newport should replace one of them NB, since traffic coming from CT and points south are often exiting there with Newport as a destination.
Speaking of redundant signage for 95 South on 4 south: I noticed an example of something like that today in CT. On the SB CT 9 Christian Lane exit (current 23/future 33), I noticed a new trailblazer sign for...CT 9 North(!). Must be for those who pull a U-turn to access the SR 571 connector.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on December 02, 2022, 11:25:03 PM
That reminds me: I wish RIDOT would use Newport as a control at the NB exit for RI 138. SB using Richmond/South Kingstown is fine, but Newport should replace one of them NB, since traffic coming from CT and points south are often exiting there with Newport as a destination.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the NB exit for RI 138 (back then, Exit 3-A) was actually signed "Kingston/Newport". That was replaced with temporary signage, then the present "South Kingstown" for 138 East. I'm not sure how RI does towns, but it seems south of the Providence area, there's only two towns in RI, as far as I-95 is concerned... "(North/South) Kingstown" and "(East/West) Greenwich". RI 138 exit does gets a small "Newport Pell Bridge" trailblazer in both directions, and I believe "Newport" is on secondary signage.
Still would be nice to see a freeway connecting I-95 directly with the RI 138 expressway (the cloverleaf interchange on US 1 is already there). That RI 138 between I-95 and US 1 is a slow crawl.
Google actually suggests RI 102 to RI 4 for I-95/New London to RI 138/Newport. RI 138 was an alternate when I looked earlier, but now that one is suggesting Woodville and RI 2 to RI 138. The other alternate is CT 2, CT/RI 78, and US 1, which is the longest time-wise (distance too), but looks to be the least aggravating.
Quote from: shadyjay on December 02, 2022, 11:40:49 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on December 02, 2022, 11:25:03 PM
That reminds me: I wish RIDOT would use Newport as a control at the NB exit for RI 138. SB using Richmond/South Kingstown is fine, but Newport should replace one of them NB, since traffic coming from CT and points south are often exiting there with Newport as a destination.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the NB exit for RI 138 (back then, Exit 3-A) was actually signed "Kingston/Newport". That was replaced with temporary signage, then the present "South Kingstown" for 138 East. I'm not sure how RI does towns, but it seems south of the Providence area, there's only two towns in RI, as far as I-95 is concerned... "(North/South) Kingstown" and "(East/West) Greenwich". RI 138 exit does gets a small "Newport Pell Bridge" trailblazer in both directions, and I believe "Newport" is on secondary signage.
Still would be nice to see a freeway connecting I-95 directly with the RI 138 expressway (the cloverleaf interchange on US 1 is already there). That RI 138 between I-95 and US 1 is a slow crawl.
This being Rhode Island, I wonder if local politics was involved in removing Newport from the I-95/RI-138 exit. By that I mean if the residents who live near RI-138 wanted to discourage additional traffic heading to Newport by removing it directly as a control city, since it is already clogged, especially URI-based traffic.
Also, I wonder if the coastal communities wanted Newport-based traffic to follow the coastal route for commercial purposes. I don't actually know if any of this is true, but it wouldn't be surprising. In any event, the CT-2/CT/RI-78/US-1 route, while longer, can be much less aggravating than 138.
As for a freeway between I-95 and the RI-138 freeway.....that won't happen in our lifetimes.
Quote from: vdeane on December 03, 2022, 04:46:05 PM
Google actually suggests RI 102 to RI 4 for I-95/New London to RI 138/Newport. RI 138 was an alternate when I looked earlier, but now that one is suggesting Woodville and RI 2 to RI 138. The other alternate is CT 2, CT/RI 78, and US 1, which is the longest time-wise (distance too), but looks to be the least aggravating.
RI-102 to RI-4 is potentially quicker than RI-138, although less direct. Also, RI-4 often has severe beach traffic backups from RI-102 down to its origin at US-1 (as does US-1 at RI-138), at least during the tourist season.
Quote from: shadyjay on December 02, 2022, 07:28:04 PM
Maybe someone should drop a line to RIDOT about this. I did for ConnDOT a few months ago and the error was corrected quite quickly.
I emailed RIDOT with your photo (Thanks Jay) and they are going to pass it along to the engineer. We'll see what happens!
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 04, 2022, 07:08:58 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on December 02, 2022, 11:40:49 PM
Still would be nice to see a freeway connecting I-95 directly with the RI 138 expressway (the cloverleaf interchange on US 1 is already there). That RI 138 between I-95 and US 1 is a slow crawl.
As for a freeway between I-95 and the RI-138 freeway.....that won't happen in our lifetimes.
Oh, well aware of that! Just wishful thinking.
:-(
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 04, 2022, 07:17:04 AM
Quote from: vdeane on December 03, 2022, 04:46:05 PM
Google actually suggests RI 102 to RI 4 for I-95/New London to RI 138/Newport. RI 138 was an alternate when I looked earlier, but now that one is suggesting Woodville and RI 2 to RI 138. The other alternate is CT 2, CT/RI 78, and US 1, which is the longest time-wise (distance too), but looks to be the least aggravating.
RI-102 to RI-4 is potentially quicker than RI-138, although less direct. Also, RI-4 often has severe beach traffic backups from RI-102 down to its origin at US-1 (as does US-1 at RI-138), at least during the tourist season.
Didn't even consider it, but Google maps has me going to Newport via CT 2 to I-395 North to CT 138 to CT/RI 165 to RI 3 to the route you mentioned coming from the Hartford/Waterbury area. I always took 9 to 95 to 138. Get to stop at the Middle of Nowhere Diner on the way this way.
Quote from: shadyjay on December 02, 2022, 07:28:04 PM
I drove RI 4 for the first time ever earlier this week. The last time I was on this road was at some point I think in the 80s and it ended at the RI 2 exit.
Anyway, this is the SB "exit now" for Exit 9...
It was around 1990. My street had a traffic light on RI 4 up until I was in high school in the late '80s, when they temporarily dead-ended our street to build a bridge to carry our road under RI 4 with no direct access.
Quote
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52532794773_00e7da35b8_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV)DSC03187 (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr
I did look in my "rear view" and saw an I-95 South shield on the NB signage, which I believe was the 1/4 mile advance (at Exit 9-A). Come to think of it, yes, the sign I posted above should be NB, since it has isolated "RI 401 West", when the SB direction provides access to both RI 401 East and West.
Maybe someone should drop a line to RIDOT about this. I did for ConnDOT a few months ago and the error was corrected quite quickly.
Regardless, having I-95 displayed here isn't a terrible idea. With the RI 4 exit being a left hand exit (with multiple lanes) from I-95 South, I bet its seen its fair share of motorists who have gotten in the wrong lane and have to get back. I-95 South in Salisbury, MA has similar "return to I-495" shields posted one exit later, giving motorists a second chance.
You're absolutely correct that this sign should be NB, not SB. The NB signage has always identified the connection to 95SB because of the truck traffic coming from Quonset. The SB signage has always shown RI 401 to RI 2.
I learned that RIDOT is pursuing a federal grant to promote the "missing move" from RI 4 NB to I-95 SB. While RI 4 SB to I-95 NB is also a missing move, it is a much lower demand move.
http://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/MissingMove2022/
QuoteAnd the design of that pull-through... really? No control city? Something like "Narragansett/Newport" would work (and should be posted on I-95 instead of "North Kingstown"). Or ideally, "Shore Points" would be nice too, but we all know the MUTCD doesn't like that.
Every highway in RI will lead you to "Shore Points". Narraganset/Newport is most logical.
There are terrible RIDOT-y signs in the median on I-95 letting you know that RI 4 leads to the beaches and the Block Island Ferry.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6741089,-71.4786509,3a,15y,179.16h,85.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stTvfXw48aO3ftGg5rWJgdg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
I remember the old RI-4 to RI-2 ending well when I was a kid. Going that way meant having to go through the infamous Wickford rotary, which was like the rotaries that used to bedevil the Boston area. By the time I was old enough to drive in 1989-90, Route 4 had been completed.
I-95 in that area is actually designed for most of the traffic southbound to get off at Route 4, which is certainly true in the warm months. The state has actually gotten better with signage and pacing to tell drivers which way they're going, and to stay right on I-95 to continue south. Besides the nasty lane drop just after the exit on I-95 that needs to be fixed.......well, that's another post.
The state actually uses North Kingstown as a control city, and used East Greenwich in the past. Narragansett is a control city on RI-4. Newport is a little tougher, as RI-4/US-1 don't really go near there, and the other towns in South County aren't really big enough to warrant control city status, certainly not on I-95.
As has already been mentioned, pretty much everyone heading south on I-95 knows that RI-4 is the best way to get to the beach and to Newport, warts and all (you can't forget it on many summer evenings). Many RIers even call it the road to the beach.
In fairness, I can't understand why RIDOT uses the signage it does, or uses such tiny fonts for some of their auxiliary signs. I suspect that a not insignificant number of South County residents are secretly happy that their towns aren't named more prominently on highway signs.
Quote from: spooky on December 06, 2022, 02:18:14 PM
Every highway in RI will lead you to "Shore Points". Narraganset/Newport is most logical.
There are terrible RIDOT-y signs in the median on I-95 letting you know that RI 4 leads to the beaches and the Block Island Ferry.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6741089,-71.4786509,3a,15y,179.16h,85.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stTvfXw48aO3ftGg5rWJgdg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
RIDOT loves a horrible one-off LGS. Small, cramped, with horrible font choices. RIDOT's problem is using these LGS "beauties" as permanent BGS replacements instead of temporary placeholders. They notably do this on I-295. Even though those signs are about a decade old now, there are a few that have gone missing and have been given the LGS treatment.
Quote from: southshore720 on December 07, 2022, 12:37:23 PM
Quote from: spooky on December 06, 2022, 02:18:14 PM
Every highway in RI will lead you to "Shore Points". Narraganset/Newport is most logical.
There are terrible RIDOT-y signs in the median on I-95 letting you know that RI 4 leads to the beaches and the Block Island Ferry.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6741089,-71.4786509,3a,15y,179.16h,85.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stTvfXw48aO3ftGg5rWJgdg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
RIDOT loves a horrible one-off LGS. Small, cramped, with horrible font choices. RIDOT's problem is using these LGS "beauties" as permanent BGS replacements instead of temporary placeholders. They notably do this on I-295. Even though those signs are about a decade old now, there are a few that have gone missing and have been given the LGS treatment.
I realized driving down to North Kingstown yesterday that there are 4 or 5 LGS supplementing the RI 4 BGS on I-95 SB. Some are better than others.
Quote from: shadyjay on December 02, 2022, 07:28:04 PM
I drove RI 4 for the first time ever earlier this week. The last time I was on this road was at some point I think in the 80s and it ended at the RI 2 exit.
Anyway, this is the SB "exit now" for Exit 9...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52532794773_00e7da35b8_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV)DSC03187 (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr
I see RIDOT has kept the yellow "old exit" signs on RI 4, but looking at Google Street View, they've been plucked from both I-295 and I-195.
Quote from: southshore720 on December 07, 2022, 12:37:23 PM
Quote from: spooky on December 06, 2022, 02:18:14 PM
Every highway in RI will lead you to "Shore Points". Narraganset/Newport is most logical.
There are terrible RIDOT-y signs in the median on I-95 letting you know that RI 4 leads to the beaches and the Block Island Ferry.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6741089,-71.4786509,3a,15y,179.16h,85.55t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stTvfXw48aO3ftGg5rWJgdg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
RIDOT loves a horrible one-off LGS. Small, cramped, with horrible font choices. RIDOT's problem is using these LGS "beauties" as permanent BGS replacements instead of temporary placeholders. They notably do this on I-295. Even though those signs are about a decade old now, there are a few that have gone missing and have been given the LGS treatment.
I wonder if RIDOT buys their sign metal by the pound given some of their diminutive sizes.
Quote from: kramie13 on December 13, 2022, 11:34:01 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on December 02, 2022, 07:28:04 PM
I drove RI 4 for the first time ever earlier this week. The last time I was on this road was at some point I think in the 80s and it ended at the RI 2 exit.
Anyway, this is the SB "exit now" for Exit 9...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52532794773_00e7da35b8_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV)DSC03187 (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr
I see RIDOT has kept the yellow "old exit" signs on RI 4, but looking at Google Street View, they've been plucked from both I-295 and I-195.
Technically, the sign is correct, although East Greenwich (the destination on RI-401 east) may have a legitimate beef.
New license plates ready to issue.
https://www.abc6.com/wave-goodbye-to-iconic-wave-new-year-new-rhode-island-license-plates/
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 31, 2022, 07:43:07 AM
New license plates ready to issue.
https://www.abc6.com/wave-goodbye-to-iconic-wave-new-year-new-rhode-island-license-plates/
Going to be fun going to Misquamicut and trying to distinguish between RI and CT plates. Can just see the Pam Beasley meme now.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on December 31, 2022, 12:16:42 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 31, 2022, 07:43:07 AM
New license plates ready to issue.
https://www.abc6.com/wave-goodbye-to-iconic-wave-new-year-new-rhode-island-license-plates/
Going to be fun going to Misquamicut and trying to distinguish between RI and CT plates. Can just see the Pam Beasley meme now.
In my experience, there have always been more CT plates (NY, NJ, MA) than RI plates, at least anecdotally.
New "Ocean" license plates being rolled out:
https://dmv.ri.gov/media/1946/download
I see Rhode Island joined the rest in implementing cash less tolls.
https://goo.gl/maps/3kSZbYGcWsWVEqAj6
Also I see the Claiborne- Pell Bridge uses a zipper barrier instead of a Jersey Wall to divide traffic. I'm assuming that traffic counts are high at times to warrant three lanes in one direction at times.
Quote from: roadman65 on January 05, 2023, 01:41:39 PM
I see Rhode Island joined the rest in implementing cash less tolls.
https://goo.gl/maps/3kSZbYGcWsWVEqAj6
Also I see the Claiborne- Pell Bridge uses a zipper barrier instead of a Jersey Wall to divide traffic. I'm assuming that traffic counts are high at times to warrant three lanes in one direction at times.
That zipper barrier is relatively new. The barrier-less bridge could be white knuckle at times. Traffic can indeed be quite high, especially eastbound in the summer months heading into Newport, so reversible lanes would be welcome then, but I don't recall having seen that happen in many years of crossing the bridge.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 04, 2023, 07:44:40 AM
New "Ocean" license plates being rolled out:
https://dmv.ri.gov/media/1946/download
Another state's bit the dust, and is surrendered to the temptation of those cheesy looking printed plates. Ugh.
It's understandable why: printed plates are undoubtedly cheaper, and you can print arbitrary plates without having to spit out a sequence of 1000 consecutively numbered plates. But there's something satisfying about an embossed plate. They're a sort of sculpture. I hope California (where I live) sticks with the embossed plates, at least for the regular series.
By the way, I often see the new printed plates referred to as "screened" plates. I think it's highly unlikely that the numbers are screened onto them. I would bet they're ink-jet printed, and then either heat-treated or coated to protect them from the elements.
Quote from: pderocco on January 06, 2023, 12:28:22 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 04, 2023, 07:44:40 AM
New "Ocean" license plates being rolled out:
https://dmv.ri.gov/media/1946/download
Another state's bit the dust, and is surrendered to the temptation of those cheesy looking printed plates. Ugh.
It's understandable why: printed plates are undoubtedly cheaper, and you can print arbitrary plates without having to spit out a sequence of 1000 consecutively numbered plates. But there's something satisfying about an embossed plate. They're a sort of sculpture. I hope California (where I live) sticks with the embossed plates, at least for the regular series.
By the way, I often see the new printed plates referred to as "screened" plates. I think it's highly unlikely that the numbers are screened onto them. I would bet they're ink-jet printed, and then either heat-treated or coated to protect them from the elements.
New York is the only state I know of that went to the digitally printed plates (with the old blue and white series in the early aughts) only to return to embossed plates (first with the orange and blue ones and now the newer Excelsior plates). NJ moved to the printed ones in 2016 or so but they're the same runny egg design that has existed since 1992.
^ I remember the old blue and white plates (Empire Blue) being embossed. Not sure where you saw printed ones, unless they were personalized.
I remember seeing printed ones somewhere along the line.
I'd love just a retro gold-on-blue embossed plate.
Quote from: vdeane on January 07, 2023, 04:59:03 PM
^ I remember the old blue and white plates (Empire Blue) being embossed. Not sure where you saw printed ones, unless they were personalized.
Maybe they were. I thought I remember them switching to digitally printed ones, not liking the outcome, and that's why they started being embossed again when they went to the gold empire plates (which all peel). I could be wrong.
Quote from: storm2k on January 15, 2023, 11:34:28 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 07, 2023, 04:59:03 PM
^ I remember the old blue and white plates (Empire Blue) being embossed. Not sure where you saw printed ones, unless they were personalized.
Maybe they were. I thought I remember them switching to digitally printed ones, not liking the outcome, and that's why they started being embossed again when they went to the gold empire plates (which all peel). I could be wrong.
The Empire Blue plates were definitely embossed, at least for general issue! I do believe vanity and specialty ones were (and still are) screened however. You may be thinking of Nevada that went to screening only to return to embossing with their current issue. But this is veering far off the Rhode Island topic...
First Ocean plate in action:
http://www.plateshack.com/y2k/Rhode_Island2/ri2025.jpg
Have there been any updates regarding the Providence-Lincoln resigning project on RI 146? Funding seemed to have been an issue at last check, but I believe we are in a new fiscal year?
Quote from: southshore720 on February 06, 2023, 10:59:11 AM
Have there been any updates regarding the Providence-Lincoln resigning project on RI 146? Funding seemed to have been an issue at last check, but I believe we are in a new fiscal year?
A quick Google search says Rhode Island's fiscal year begins in July, but I don't know how long ago you checked.
https://goo.gl/maps/vtcVNahDJmZ4cJ2C9
https://goo.gl/maps/DzPp3PLwuwuNsxtg7
We're both of these freeway ends supposed to connect to each other in Newport?
Quote from: roadman65 on March 28, 2023, 01:29:45 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/vtcVNahDJmZ4cJ2C9
https://goo.gl/maps/DzPp3PLwuwuNsxtg7
We're both of these freeway ends supposed to connect to each other in Newport?
Not completely sure, but I would lean towards yes. The state is beginning the process of redesigning the Pell Bridge approaches that were designed in the 1960s with a future expressway in mind:
https://www.vhb.com/news/pell-bridge-in-newport-rhode-island-undergoes-update/
I think they were both to have connected as part of one of the Interstate 895 proposals: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_895_(Rhode_Island%E2%80%93Massachusetts).
Did this grade-separated route into Newport ever see traffic? Was Farewell Street supposed to be/was it ever one way northbound leaving Newport? Then America's Cup Ave would have been one way parallel to it into Newport (with the cemetary in the middle)?
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5015521,-71.3178573,238a,35y,3.96t/data=!3m1!1e3
Seems it would have been better to get traffic into Newport during the busy season... from the Newport Bridge, it would have entered "America's Cup Ave" on the left, passed beneath
Van Zandt Ave, and merged into present day America's Cup Ave at the current bend.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4942513,-71.3171233,235a,35y,3.96t/data=!3m1!1e3
Or was this never opened, reserved for an expressway plan that never materialized?
Quote from: shadyjay on March 28, 2023, 05:19:08 PM
Did this grade-separated route into Newport ever see traffic? Was Farewell Street supposed to be/was it ever one way northbound leaving Newport? Then America's Cup Ave would have been one way parallel to it into Newport (with the cemetary in the middle)?
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5015521,-71.3178573,238a,35y,3.96t/data=!3m1!1e3
Seems it would have been better to get traffic into Newport during the busy season... from the Newport Bridge, it would have entered "America's Cup Ave" on the left, passed beneath
Van Zandt Ave, and merged into present day America's Cup Ave at the current bend.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4942513,-71.3171233,235a,35y,3.96t/data=!3m1!1e3
Or was this never opened, reserved for an expressway plan that never materialized?
Long before my time, but it appears that Farewell Street was two way heading from the center of town to the circle with Admiral Kalbfus Blvd. It was apparently cut off when the bridge was built between 1966-1969. My guess is that the unused ramps were part of the expressway that was never built. Having seen firsthand how traffic into Newport backs well onto the bridge due to the substandard ramp (and heavy summer traffic), it would be nice to have an alternate way in and out. But the state is working on improving the connection per below.
Also, per RIDOT, it appears the 138 Expressway stub was intended to connect with RI-24 in Portsmouth, but it never happened.
https://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/pellbridgeramps/
It looks like the Trumpet interchange on the east end of the Newport Bridge is being removed for a connector road to Farewell Street as well as Farewell to be realigned to connect with JT Connell at the present Admiral Kalbfus Roundabout and the bridge approach is cutting through some businesses to end at Admiral Kalbfus Road.
What I don't understand is why the freeway was never built due to congestion along Main Road. To me it's a no brainer to build it.
Also why does RI 114 overlap with RI 138 instead of ending north of the city where those two meet? That seems like a useless concurrency.
Quote from: roadman65 on March 28, 2023, 07:12:47 PM
It looks like the Trumpet interchange on the east end of the Newport Bridge is being removed for a connector road to Farewell Street as well as Farewell to be realigned to connect with JT Connell at the present Admiral Kalbfus Roundabout and the bridge approach is cutting through some businesses to end at Admiral Kalbfus Road.
What I don't understand is why the freeway was never built due to congestion along Main Road. To me it's a no brainer to build it.
Also why does RI 114 overlap with RI 138 instead of ending north of the city where those two meet? That seems like a useless concurrency.
Knowing Rhode Island I would bet it's a combination of money (or lack thereof) and community opposition during the late 60s/early 70s. . As for why RI-114 ends at the Newport/Middletown border, only someone deep within RIDOT could make sense of it.
I had to rub my eyes when I saw a new BGS on Route 146 NB for Exits 8A-C (I-295/RI-99). Could it be that they are actually going to finish the signing project from Lincoln to Providence, or was this just remediation from the RI-116 bridge project?
Quote from: southshore720 on April 23, 2023, 03:08:26 PM
I had to rub my eyes when I saw a new BGS on Route 146 NB for Exits 8A-C (I-295/RI-99). Could it be that they are actually going to finish the signing project from Lincoln to Providence, or was this just remediation from the RI-116 bridge project?
Could be. In the long run, the state is planning massive improvements on the RI-146 corridor from the Lincoln Mall/I-295 to the state line, so I'm not sure if they'll have to change the signs again.
New license plate option for Rhode Island:
https://www.atlanticsharkinstitute.org/licenseplate
Does anyone know why I-95 takes that jagged route through Pawtucket? Apparently the original plans were indeed for a straighter route west of Downtown Pawtucket. The Rhode Island DPW said as much: (http://www.bostonroads.com/roads/I-95_RI/)
QuoteThere are more large mills and manufacturing plants west of the business district than east of it, and an expressway in their vicinity could best serve them. Otherwise, their traffic would be forced to shuttle back and forth through the business district to the expressway.
And a westerly route would've had the additional advantage of following an existing railroad ROW.
Given that this is Rhode Island we're talking about, I can only assume there was corruption involved.
Quote from: kernals12 on May 05, 2023, 06:14:47 PM
Does anyone know why I-95 takes that jagged route through Pawtucket? Apparently the original plans were indeed for a straighter route west of Downtown Pawtucket. The Rhode Island DPW said as much: (http://www.bostonroads.com/roads/I-95_RI/)
QuoteThere are more large mills and manufacturing plants west of the business district than east of it, and an expressway in their vicinity could best serve them. Otherwise, their traffic would be forced to shuttle back and forth through the business district to the expressway.
And a westerly route would've had the additional advantage of following an existing railroad ROW.
Given that this is Rhode Island we're talking about, I can only assume there was corruption involved.
I have heard, but can't confirm, that the Pawtucket S curves are because of Le Foyer, a banquet hall at 151 Fountain Street in Pawtucket. If you look at it on a map, it looks as though it would be taken as it is right in the path, but it still stands today. The story is that the owner at the time either had enough clout to see that 95 was shifted so that it wouldn't be taken by eminent domain, or else demanded so much money from the state that the rerouting happened. So it could have been corruption, or more likely "I know a guy" which could be the state motto.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 05, 2023, 07:25:18 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 05, 2023, 06:14:47 PM
Does anyone know why I-95 takes that jagged route through Pawtucket? Apparently the original plans were indeed for a straighter route west of Downtown Pawtucket. The Rhode Island DPW said as much: (http://www.bostonroads.com/roads/I-95_RI/)
QuoteThere are more large mills and manufacturing plants west of the business district than east of it, and an expressway in their vicinity could best serve them. Otherwise, their traffic would be forced to shuttle back and forth through the business district to the expressway.
And a westerly route would've had the additional advantage of following an existing railroad ROW.
Given that this is Rhode Island we're talking about, I can only assume there was corruption involved.
I have heard, but can't confirm, that the Pawtucket S curves are because of Le Foyer, a banquet hall at 151 Fountain Street in Pawtucket. If you look at it on a map, it looks as though it would be taken as it is right in the path, but it still stands today. The story is that the owner at the time either had enough clout to see that 95 was shifted so that it wouldn't be taken by eminent domain, or else demanded so much money from the state that the rerouting happened. So it could have been corruption, or more likely "I know a guy" which could be the state motto.
That makes no sense. Le Foyer is right next to I-95. If they had gone with a westerly route, the banquet hall would've been *further* out of the way.
According to Steve Anderson's Boston Roads website on Interstate 95 in Rhode Island (http://www.bostonroads.com/roads/I-95_RI/), the Interstate was constructed the way it was to limit right-of-way acquisitions.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on May 05, 2023, 08:05:20 PM
According to Steve Anderson's Boston Roads website on Interstate 95 in Rhode Island (http://www.bostonroads.com/roads/I-95_RI/), the Interstate was constructed the way it was to limit right-of-way acquisitions.
But by taking a more circuitous route, the interstate occupies more land requiring more ROW
Quote from: kernals12 on May 05, 2023, 07:53:49 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 05, 2023, 07:25:18 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 05, 2023, 06:14:47 PM
Does anyone know why I-95 takes that jagged route through Pawtucket? Apparently the original plans were indeed for a straighter route west of Downtown Pawtucket. The Rhode Island DPW said as much: (http://www.bostonroads.com/roads/I-95_RI/)
QuoteThere are more large mills and manufacturing plants west of the business district than east of it, and an expressway in their vicinity could best serve them. Otherwise, their traffic would be forced to shuttle back and forth through the business district to the expressway.
And a westerly route would've had the additional advantage of following an existing railroad ROW.
Given that this is Rhode Island we're talking about, I can only assume there was corruption involved.
I have heard, but can't confirm, that the Pawtucket S curves are because of Le Foyer, a banquet hall at 151 Fountain Street in Pawtucket. If you look at it on a map, it looks as though it would be taken as it is right in the path, but it still stands today. The story is that the owner at the time either had enough clout to see that 95 was shifted so that it wouldn't be taken by eminent domain, or else demanded so much money from the state that the rerouting happened. So it could have been corruption, or more likely "I know a guy" which could be the state motto.
That makes no sense. Le Foyer is right next to I-95. If they had gone with a westerly route, the banquet hall would've been *further* out of the way.
We're talking about Rhode Island, so things often don't make sense. Building a highway through a densely populated industrial city inevitably meant that lots of property would have to be taken via eminent domain. And knowing Rhode Island, it isn't far-fetched to assume that politics and influence had a say on where the highway would go and which properties would be taken. I wasn't around then, but it would be interesting to find out how it all happened.
Traffic is transitioning (https://twitter.com/RIDOTNews/status/1655968927992741888) onto the new bridge carrying traffic from I-95 NB to Rt 146 NB this weekend!
I went on a day trip to Rhode Island. It looks like they're transitioning to the new sign font.
Quote from: kernals12 on May 13, 2023, 11:21:25 PM
Traffic is transitioning (https://twitter.com/RIDOTNews/status/1655968927992741888) onto the new bridge carrying traffic from I-95 NB to Rt 146 NB this weekend!
And still no love for RI 7 on the State Offices exit. I never heard a decent explanation why they removed RI 7 from the I-95 signage. I've also never understood why RI 7 and RI 246 are completely silenced Downtown, especially at the intersection of Orms & Charles Streets. I believe that is the actual terminus of both RI 246 and RI 7?
Quote from: southshore720 on May 28, 2023, 11:09:58 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 13, 2023, 11:21:25 PM
Traffic is transitioning onto the new bridge carrying traffic from I-95 NB to Rt 146 NB this weekend!
And still no love for RI 7 on the State Offices exit. I never heard a decent explanation why they removed RI 7 from the I-95 signage. I've also never understood why RI 7 and RI 246 are completely silenced Downtown, especially at the intersection of Orms & Charles Streets. I believe that is the actual terminus of both RI 246 and RI 7?
I believe 246 has its own terminus at US 1 two blocks south of the RI 7 terminus.
Took a little drive out to Rhode Island today to do some biking. I think I hit all the major bridges in the state... Jamestown, Newport, Mt Hope, Sakonnet, and the two on I-195.
Anyway..
The Newport construction on RI 138 had me making a wrong turn. At the end of the new connector road on RI 138 East, past the downtown exit and the soon-to-be left turn to Newport, the road ends adjacent to the former overpass/casino. Signs at that intersection said to turn LEFT for RI 138 and TO RI 114. Now, isn't RI 138 to the right?
So, not being completely familiar with that area, I turned left. That brought me to the traffic circle/rotary with JT Connel Hwy. There, the only sign of direction was a "TO 114" trailblazer. It wasn't until the end of JT Connel/Coddington Hwy where I saw another RI 138 trailblazer, which said "TO 138 ->".
After finding my way back to RI 138 East, I then realized I wanted to be on RI 114 North. But that RI 138 East sign to the left confused me a little.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5072887,-71.3147344,21z?entry=ttu
Quote from: shadyjay on June 07, 2023, 05:52:57 PM
Took a little drive out to Rhode Island today to do some biking. I think I hit all the major bridges in the state... Jamestown, Newport, Mt Hope, Sakonnet, and the two on I-195.
Anyway..
The Newport construction on RI 138 had me making a wrong turn. At the end of the new connector road on RI 138 East, past the downtown exit and the soon-to-be left turn to Newport, the road ends adjacent to the former overpass/casino. Signs at that intersection said to turn LEFT for RI 138 and TO RI 114. Now, isn't RI 138 to the right?
So, not being completely familiar with that area, I turned left. That brought me to the traffic circle/rotary with JT Connel Hwy. There, the only sign of direction was a "TO 114" trailblazer. It wasn't until the end of JT Connel/Coddington Hwy where I saw another RI 138 trailblazer, which said "TO 138 ->".
After finding my way back to RI 138 East, I then realized I wanted to be on RI 114 North. But that RI 138 East sign to the left confused me a little.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5072887,-71.3147344,21z?entry=ttu
RIDOT is known for contrary arrows and misplaced shields and just... RIDOT!
Quote from: shadyjay on June 07, 2023, 05:52:57 PM
Took a little drive out to Rhode Island today to do some biking. I think I hit all the major bridges in the state... Jamestown, Newport, Mt Hope, Sakonnet, and the two on I-195.
Anyway..
The Newport construction on RI 138 had me making a wrong turn. At the end of the new connector road on RI 138 East, past the downtown exit and the soon-to-be left turn to Newport, the road ends adjacent to the former overpass/casino. Signs at that intersection said to turn LEFT for RI 138 and TO RI 114. Now, isn't RI 138 to the right?
So, not being completely familiar with that area, I turned left. That brought me to the traffic circle/rotary with JT Connel Hwy. There, the only sign of direction was a "TO 114" trailblazer. It wasn't until the end of JT Connel/Coddington Hwy where I saw another RI 138 trailblazer, which said "TO 138 ->".
After finding my way back to RI 138 East, I then realized I wanted to be on RI 114 North. But that RI 138 East sign to the left confused me a little.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5072887,-71.3147344,21z?entry=ttu
I haven't been in that area since construction began and am unfamiliar with the changes (although it looks better than before). But whenever I go thorough that area, I usually use Coddington Hwy and J.T. Connell Highways to get from Middletown and Portsmouth to the Pell Bridge, and vice versa.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 08, 2023, 05:24:53 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on June 07, 2023, 05:52:57 PM
Took a little drive out to Rhode Island today to do some biking. I think I hit all the major bridges in the state... Jamestown, Newport, Mt Hope, Sakonnet, and the two on I-195.
Anyway..
The Newport construction on RI 138 had me making a wrong turn. At the end of the new connector road on RI 138 East, past the downtown exit and the soon-to-be left turn to Newport, the road ends adjacent to the former overpass/casino. Signs at that intersection said to turn LEFT for RI 138 and TO RI 114. Now, isn't RI 138 to the right?
So, not being completely familiar with that area, I turned left. That brought me to the traffic circle/rotary with JT Connel Hwy. There, the only sign of direction was a "TO 114" trailblazer. It wasn't until the end of JT Connel/Coddington Hwy where I saw another RI 138 trailblazer, which said "TO 138 ->".
After finding my way back to RI 138 East, I then realized I wanted to be on RI 114 North. But that RI 138 East sign to the left confused me a little.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5072887,-71.3147344,21z?entry=ttu
I haven't been in that area since construction began and am unfamiliar with the changes (although it looks better than before). But whenever I go thorough that area, I usually use Coddington Hwy and J.T. Connell Highways to get from Middletown and Portsmouth to the Pell Bridge, and vice versa.
I went through the newly still-under-construction Newport-side approaches today. The signage for RI-138 East from the new access road is confusing...if it's not an error, it's almost as if the State wants drivers to use Connell/Coddington to get to RI-114 instead of Admiral Kalbfus. Getting to the bridge isn't any better, with no clear signage. I'm sure it wil change before too long.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 10, 2023, 11:56:58 AM
I went through the newly still-under-construction Newport-side approaches today. The signage for RI-138 East from the new access road is confusing...if it's not an error, it's almost as if the State wants drivers to use Connell/Coddington to get to RI-114 instead of Admiral Kalbfus. Getting to the bridge isn't any better, with no clear signage. I'm sure it wil change before too long.
Who knows, they might. There will need to be some work with the route designations regardless due to RI 138A and RI 238, so who knows what they have planned. Google Maps seems to be convinced that something will happen there July 10, so maybe we'll know then.
Traveled to the beach this past weekend and rode RI 4 and noticed two things:
1. RIDOT still has not corrected the BGS mismatch at Exit 9. The sign for Exit 9B Northbound is still in place for Exit 9 Southbound, and vice versa. I wrote to RIDOT to point out the error (with photos) and they said they were going to refer it to the contractor. That apparently fell on blind eyes and deaf ears.
2. It looks like RI is installing mileage/time BGS' in the similar style of MA's. At Exit 9 NB, there is a sign with the Airport Connector and I-195 as the mileage/time points. Instead of using the city where the junction occurs (like in MA), they used "EXIT 36A."
Quote from: southshore720 on August 22, 2023, 12:46:15 PM
Traveled to the beach this past weekend and rode RI 4 and noticed two things:
1. RIDOT still has not corrected the BGS mismatch at Exit 9. The sign for Exit 9B Northbound is still in place for Exit 9 Southbound, and vice versa. I wrote to RIDOT to point out the error (with photos) and they said they were going to refer it to the contractor. That apparently fell on blind eyes and deaf ears.
2. It looks like RI is installing mileage/time BGS' in the similar style of MA's. At Exit 9 NB, there is a sign with the Airport Connector and I-195 as the mileage/time points. Instead of using the city where the junction occurs (like in MA), they used "EXIT 36A."
Technically, the sign at Exit 9 on RI-4 south isn't wrong, and some unfamiliar drivers who may have mistakenly exited I-95 can find their way back. But you're correct that the sign should be northbound where it actually is needed for those needing to access I-95 south. At least until this happens:
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/federal-grant-aims-to-connect-rhode-island-town-to-i-95-south/49840
As for the relatively new BGS sign, it's been there for a while, but hasn't to my knowledge been activated. Not sure why the state put the sign there, as they would be more useful on I-95 in both directions. They'd also be better off using major highways (I-295, Airport, I-195, US-6, etc.) instead of exit numbers many Rhode Islanders are probably still getting used to.
I always thought that the Interstate 95/RI 4 interchange should have been built to allow movements in all directions. Could such a conversion be done without having to remove existing ramps at both the RI 401 and the RI 2 interchanges?
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on August 23, 2023, 11:16:27 AM
I always thought that the Interstate 95/RI 4 interchange should have been built to allow movements in all directions. Could such a conversion be done without having to remove existing ramps at both the RI 401 and the RI 2 interchanges?
I'm no expert, but I'd think so:
(https://i.imgur.com/MBq2v4x.png)
Before we go adding a direct ramp from RI 4 North to I-95 South, I would think we'd need to address the lane drop on I-95 South that occurs just after RI 4 South departs. To better handle the traffic, I-95 should be 3 lanes in each direction at least until RI 3 at Exit 18.
As far as the map/ramp additions above, I would think there'd be a bigtime conflicting move where that new I-95 North ramp meets RI 4 South. That doesn't give a lot of time for the weave, especially with traffic on RI 4 South from I-95 South trying to get off at RI 401. Maybe ramp from I-95 North would be better suited entering RI 4 South on the left instead of the right. As far as the ramp from RI 4 North to I-95 South, that would maybe work better tying in a C/D road to the Route 2 exit, or take the opportunity to narrow the median and convert RI 4 South to a right-hand exit. Just move the I-95 South roadway to be adjacent to the I-95 North roadway and then bridge over both I-95 North/South with the new right-side ramp to RI 4.
Quote from: shadyjay on August 23, 2023, 06:06:40 PM
Before we go adding a direct ramp from RI 4 North to I-95 South, I would think we'd need to address the lane drop on I-95 South that occurs just after RI 4 South departs. To better handle the traffic, I-95 should be 3 lanes in each direction at least until RI 3 at Exit 18.
As far as the map/ramp additions above, I would think there'd be a bigtime conflicting move where that new I-95 North ramp meets RI 4 South. That doesn't give a lot of time for the weave, especially with traffic on RI 4 South from I-95 South trying to get off at RI 401. Maybe ramp from I-95 North would be better suited entering RI 4 South on the left instead of the right. As far as the ramp from RI 4 North to I-95 South, that would maybe work better tying in a C/D road to the Route 2 exit, or take the opportunity to narrow the median and convert RI 4 South to a right-hand exit. Just move the I-95 South roadway to be adjacent to the I-95 North roadway and then bridge over both I-95 North/South with the new right-side ramp to RI 4.
I agree with both of your comments. I also note the issue with trying to rise the 4N-95S ramp from the right in that interchange. That would require retaining walls and extensive structure to fit in. Not that a state like PA wouldn't do that anyway with I-95 at I-276, but RI may find it more of an issue with the amount of rework they've been funding lately. I would just as soon proposed 4N to 95S is a left exit to reduce that cost, as long as the exit can be designed high-speed.
I think the main reason for completing the I-95/RI-4 interchange - if/when it happens - is the spate of development at Quonset Point area. That's why the RI-403 expressway was built, and trucks wanting to access or leave the Point have to use the RI-4 to RI-2 to I-95 South (and vice versa). I don't think it was a priority when RI-4 was being constructed in the early 70s or when it was improved in the late 80s/earl;y 90s.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on August 23, 2023, 04:57:30 AM
Quote from: southshore720 on August 22, 2023, 12:46:15 PM
Traveled to the beach this past weekend and rode RI 4 and noticed two things:
1. RIDOT still has not corrected the BGS mismatch at Exit 9. The sign for Exit 9B Northbound is still in place for Exit 9 Southbound, and vice versa. I wrote to RIDOT to point out the error (with photos) and they said they were going to refer it to the contractor. That apparently fell on blind eyes and deaf ears.
2. It looks like RI is installing mileage/time BGS' in the similar style of MA's. At Exit 9 NB, there is a sign with the Airport Connector and I-195 as the mileage/time points. Instead of using the city where the junction occurs (like in MA), they used "EXIT 36A."
Technically, the sign at Exit 9 on RI-4 south isn't wrong, and some unfamiliar drivers who may have mistakenly exited I-95 can find their way back. But you're correct that the sign should be northbound where it actually is needed for those needing to access I-95 south. At least until this happens:
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/federal-grant-aims-to-connect-rhode-island-town-to-i-95-south/49840
As for the relatively new BGS sign, it's been there for a while, but hasn't to my knowledge been activated. Not sure why the state put the sign there, as they would be more useful on I-95 in both directions. They'd also be better off using major highways (I-295, Airport, I-195, US-6, etc.) instead of exit numbers many Rhode Islanders are probably still getting used to.
As a Road Geek, this has been driving me up a wall. Who does quality assurance on these projects?
Anyways, I'm hoping the time/mileage BGS project is wide in scope. They've been using the variable message boards for traffic times (ala Connecticut), but I'm sure they want to conserve energy on those for more important announcements/delays.
Not from this area so I don't know if this an appropriate move or not but they're tearing down the Route 37 Bridge over US-1 and converting it to an at grade signalized intersection. Doesn't seem like a good move but I have yet to travel this area so I'm not sure.
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/rhode-island-receives-raise-grant-toward-route-37-project/62335
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 07, 2023, 05:23:34 PM
Not from this area so I don't know if this an appropriate move or not but they're tearing down the Route 37 Bridge over US-1 and converting it to an at grade signalized intersection. Doesn't seem like a good move but I have yet to travel this area so I'm not sure.
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/rhode-island-receives-raise-grant-toward-route-37-project/62335
It looks like this is the east terminus of Route 37 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Narragansett+Bay/@41.7419042,-71.4312264,1714m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x89e5ad3e69d87b69:0x1f258eaf5f2e851d!8m2!3d41.6219923!4d-71.3527473!16zL20vMDI4Z2o1?entry=ttu). It may add congestion to US 1 but won't affect the rest of the freeway.
Also, looking under this bridge in Streetview (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7419042,-71.4312264,3a,75y,32.72h,85.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sFY8n7A91UH0VKFGOP-vDsw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), they have what appears to be timber supports assisting the concrete piers in holding up the bridge.
Quote from: zzcarp on September 07, 2023, 05:56:26 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 07, 2023, 05:23:34 PM
Not from this area so I don't know if this an appropriate move or not but they're tearing down the Route 37 Bridge over US-1 and converting it to an at grade signalized intersection. Doesn't seem like a good move but I have yet to travel this area so I'm not sure.
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/rhode-island-receives-raise-grant-toward-route-37-project/62335
It looks like this is the east terminus of Route 37 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Narragansett+Bay/@41.7419042,-71.4312264,1714m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x89e5ad3e69d87b69:0x1f258eaf5f2e851d!8m2!3d41.6219923!4d-71.3527473!16zL20vMDI4Z2o1?entry=ttu). It may add congestion to US 1 but won't affect the rest of the freeway.
Also, looking under this bridge in Streetview (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7419042,-71.4312264,3a,75y,32.72h,85.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sFY8n7A91UH0VKFGOP-vDsw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), they have what appears to be timber supports assisting the concrete piers in holding up the bridge.
From the link, the project is being done to save the costs of rebuilding the structurally deficient bridge, while adding some buildable land to Warwick's tax base. Not sure what would go there, since Warwick already has almost literally every retail and commercial use.
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 07, 2023, 05:23:34 PM
Not from this area so I don't know if this an appropriate move or not but they're tearing down the Route 37 Bridge over US-1 and converting it to an at grade signalized intersection. Doesn't seem like a good move but I have yet to travel this area so I'm not sure.
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/rhode-island-receives-raise-grant-toward-route-37-project/62335
37 is relatively lightly traveled at that end and 1 has signals in either direction, so probably the right move.
Quote from: zzcarp on September 07, 2023, 05:56:26 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 07, 2023, 05:23:34 PM
Not from this area so I don't know if this an appropriate move or not but they're tearing down the Route 37 Bridge over US-1 and converting it to an at grade signalized intersection. Doesn't seem like a good move but I have yet to travel this area so I'm not sure.
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/rhode-island-receives-raise-grant-toward-route-37-project/62335
It looks like this is the east terminus of Route 37 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Narragansett+Bay/@41.7419042,-71.4312264,1714m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x89e5ad3e69d87b69:0x1f258eaf5f2e851d!8m2!3d41.6219923!4d-71.3527473!16zL20vMDI4Z2o1?entry=ttu). It may add congestion to US 1 but won't affect the rest of the freeway.
Also, looking under this bridge in Streetview (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7419042,-71.4312264,3a,75y,32.72h,85.48t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sFY8n7A91UH0VKFGOP-vDsw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu), they have what appears to be timber supports assisting the concrete piers in holding up the bridge.
It doesn't look like the timber is assisting based on the conditions of the concrete but actually doing the job all its own by this point.
They are also planning to eliminate the underpass at Power Rd. I hope that means they are going to cul-de-sac Power Rd., and not turn it into an at-grade intersection, which I think would be a stupid move.
Anybody been by the Henderson Bridge lately? Any progress photos? More importantly, are the button copy signs still up?
Taken in 2021 I believe:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51980638324_3785502a30_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2ncmmN9)
Quote from: Mergingtraffic on September 18, 2023, 05:29:51 PM
Anybody been by the Henderson Bridge lately? Any progress photos? More importantly, are the button copy signs still up?
Taken in 2021 I believe:
I believe last time I was up there they were gone
Looks like Newport's "road to nowhere" is going to be completed:
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/newports-road-to-nowhere-begins-going-somewhere/62531
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 21, 2023, 07:43:50 PM
Looks like Newport's "road to nowhere" is going to be completed:
https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/newports-road-to-nowhere-begins-going-somewhere/62531
I would consider this more like a freeway removal than a completion.
Maybe other freeway stubs can get the same treatment on canceled freeways that will never be constructed.
It is a freeway removal, and one that will be beneficial to Newport and its many visitors.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on September 22, 2023, 07:03:38 AM
It is a freeway removal, and one that will be beneficial to Newport and its many visitors.
It's really a freeway stub removal that serves no purpose, so this is no effect on traffic, only positives on overall environment.
Quote from: Alps on September 22, 2023, 04:32:30 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on September 22, 2023, 07:03:38 AM
It is a freeway removal, and one that will be beneficial to Newport and its many visitors.
It's really a freeway stub removal that serves no purpose, so this is no effect on traffic, only positives on overall environment.
Much will depend on how traffic into Newport from the bridge, long stuck on that narrow outdated ramp, ends up getting into town on the new configuration.
Construction begins on RI-146 north of I-295:
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/46465
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on September 30, 2023, 08:10:15 AM
Construction begins on RI-146 north of I-295:
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/46465
Yet the Lincoln-Providence sign replacement project has gone into complete limbo...
Quote from: southshore720 on September 30, 2023, 03:07:44 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on September 30, 2023, 08:10:15 AM
Construction begins on RI-146 north of I-295:
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/46465
Yet the Lincoln-Providence sign replacement project has gone into complete limbo...
Yes, a comparison of Street View images from this past summer to those from 2021 shows little progress, if any. There are now a number of bridge replacement projects going on between I-295 and I-95, perhaps they are just going to wait until all those are completed.
Quote from: shadyjay on December 02, 2022, 07:28:04 PM
I drove RI 4 for the first time ever earlier this week. The last time I was on this road was at some point I think in the 80s and it ended at the RI 2 exit.
Anyway, this is the SB "exit now" for Exit 9...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52532794773_00e7da35b8_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV)DSC03187 (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr
I did look in my "rear view" and saw an I-95 South shield on the NB signage, which I believe was the 1/4 mile advance (at Exit 9-A). Come to think of it, yes, the sign I posted above should be NB, since it has isolated "RI 401 West", when the SB direction provides access to both RI 401 East and West.
Maybe someone should drop a line to RIDOT about this. I did for ConnDOT a few months ago and the error was corrected quite quickly.
Regardless, having I-95 displayed here isn't a terrible idea. With the RI 4 exit being a left hand exit (with multiple lanes) from I-95 South, I bet its seen its fair share of motorists who have gotten in the wrong lane and have to get back. I-95 South in Salisbury, MA has similar "return to I-495" shields posted one exit later, giving motorists a second chance.
And the design of that pull-through... really? No control city? Something like "Narragansett/Newport" would work (and should be posted on I-95 instead of "North Kingstown"). Or ideally, "Shore Points" would be nice too, but we all know the MUTCD doesn't like that.
A follow-up; the state has not replaced the "To 95" on northbound RI-4 at Exit 9W to RI-401 west. They should, as it is the only way to get from RI-4 north to I-95 south for the foreseeable future.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on October 30, 2023, 05:59:59 AM
Quote from: shadyjay on December 02, 2022, 07:28:04 PM
I drove RI 4 for the first time ever earlier this week. The last time I was on this road was at some point I think in the 80s and it ended at the RI 2 exit.
Anyway, this is the SB "exit now" for Exit 9...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52532794773_00e7da35b8_4k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV)DSC03187 (https://flic.kr/p/2o39iEV) by Jay Hogan (https://www.flickr.com/photos/shadyjay/), on Flickr
I did look in my "rear view" and saw an I-95 South shield on the NB signage, which I believe was the 1/4 mile advance (at Exit 9-A). Come to think of it, yes, the sign I posted above should be NB, since it has isolated "RI 401 West", when the SB direction provides access to both RI 401 East and West.
Maybe someone should drop a line to RIDOT about this. I did for ConnDOT a few months ago and the error was corrected quite quickly.
Regardless, having I-95 displayed here isn't a terrible idea. With the RI 4 exit being a left hand exit (with multiple lanes) from I-95 South, I bet its seen its fair share of motorists who have gotten in the wrong lane and have to get back. I-95 South in Salisbury, MA has similar "return to I-495" shields posted one exit later, giving motorists a second chance.
And the design of that pull-through... really? No control city? Something like "Narragansett/Newport" would work (and should be posted on I-95 instead of "North Kingstown"). Or ideally, "Shore Points" would be nice too, but we all know the MUTCD doesn't like that.
A follow-up; the state has not replaced the "To 95" on northbound RI-4 at Exit 9W to RI-401 west. They should, as it is the only way to get from RI-4 north to I-95 south for the foreseeable future.
My email to RIDOT was referred to the contractor, which probably ended up in "Spam." Maybe additional pressure will finally get this resolved.
I was on I-95 south of Providence the other day, and noticed the signage for TF Green Airport has changed.
Previously, the signs for Exit 29 read "TF Green Airport". Now it reads "RI TF Green Int'l Airport".
Why is the signage more verbose now? Also, I don't even I've ever seen a flight out of that airport with a destination outside of the United States.
Quote from: kramie13 on November 06, 2023, 02:37:49 PM
I was on I-95 south of Providence the other day, and noticed the signage for TF Green Airport has changed.
Previously, the signs for Exit 29 read "TF Green Airport". Now it reads "RI TF Green Int'l Airport".
Why is the signage more verbose now? Also, I don't even I've ever seen a flight out of that airport with a destination outside of the United States.
They are International, but I see nothing in their flight list that suggests a direct connection across a border, so that confuses me. The "RI" should flat out disappear and the airport should have to explain why it's Int'l now.
The airport's name officially changed a couple years ago. The airport wanted to rename itself "Rhode Island International Airport" to both emphasize its international status and include actual location, but the state legislature kept the T. F. Green name as well. With the recently completed runway extension they want to attract more long haul flights.
T.F. Green currently has flights to the Caribbean, formerly had flights to Toronto, and for a brief time Norwegian offered flights to a couple places in Europe.
The state is working to attract more visitors, so Rhode Island International makes sense in that regard. At the same time, keeping T.F. Green is designed to satisfy the locals. And RI International does have an international flight, to Santo Domingo, Dominican Repubic.
Anybody been to the Henderson Bridge lately?
I wonder if the old bridge is still partially up and are these signs laying aroud? Is the ALL TRAFFIC one uncovered somewhere on the site?
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48259367832_ab1ef17099_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48254787322_f6b6f8e752_k.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/678/21731808028_530a4cf633_k.jpg)
Would it be possible to make similar modifications to the eastern end of the Henderson Expressway as they are doing to the eastern end of the RI 138 freeway in Newport?
Speaking of RI 138 in Newport, the new configuration is now in street view. On thing that's weird is that the RI 138 and TO RI 114 signs point to the left (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.5070845,-71.3147566,3a,42.3y,-2.24h,90.58t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sHlamSM6n674ekh1TDmM2Zg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu) instead of to the right as one would expect. Is this in error, or did RIDOT reroute RI 138?
I had that EXACT same question when I went throuh there this past summer. The response I think was RIDOT wanting traffic to use JT Connel Highway. But, again, with the road system not completed yet, some sign adjustments will most likely occur.
Whatever they decide, it shouldn't just be a "one-off" sign. The rotary IIRC lacked the proper signage to point motorists to RI 138 East, and at the end of JTC, same thing.
I am also serious as to why RIDOT apparently wants drivers to take JT Connell over to West Main Road instead of Admiral Kalbfus, which is still the official route per Google maps. I wonder if someone convinced them to route traffic through the commercial area instead of the residential area on the north side of Newport. If Connell is to be the new route, not only must the signage be improved but turn lanes will need to be added at the shopping plaza to minimize delays. The road should be repaved as well.
I didn't see this posted yet: WB I-195 is fully closed over the Washington Bridge in Providence. Detours include the Henderson Bridge, SR 114A to US-1A, or MA-25 to I-495. Got a note from a family member in Providence. Looks looks like they are going to try to shift all traffic over to the EB lanes (2 in each direction), and it will likely be that way for a few months. That will snarl things up!
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/46843
Quote from: citrus on December 11, 2023, 09:31:02 PM
I didn't see this posted yet: WB I-195 is fully closed over the Washington Bridge in Providence. Detours include the Henderson Bridge, SR 114A to US-1A, or MA-25 to I-495. Got a note from a family member in Providence. Looks looks like they are going to try to shift all traffic over to the EB lanes (2 in each direction), and it will likely be that way for a few months. That will snarl things up!
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/46843
At 6:30 AM, traffic on I-195 west is already backing up into Massachusetts.
Quote from: citrus on December 11, 2023, 09:31:02 PM
I didn't see this posted yet: WB I-195 is fully closed over the Washington Bridge in Providence. Detours include the Henderson Bridge, SR 114A to US-1A, or MA-25 to I-495. Got a note from a family member in Providence. Looks looks like they are going to try to shift all traffic over to the EB lanes (2 in each direction), and it will likely be that way for a few months. That will snarl things up!
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/46843
With I-95 in Philadelphia and I-10 in LA, this is now the 3rd unplanned interstate bridge closure in a major city just this year. That must be a record.
If those other 2 are anything to go by, this is only going to take a few weeks before the bridge is reopened.
Quote from: kernals12 on December 12, 2023, 09:17:13 AM
Quote from: citrus on December 11, 2023, 09:31:02 PM
I didn't see this posted yet: WB I-195 is fully closed over the Washington Bridge in Providence. Detours include the Henderson Bridge, SR 114A to US-1A, or MA-25 to I-495. Got a note from a family member in Providence. Looks looks like they are going to try to shift all traffic over to the EB lanes (2 in each direction), and it will likely be that way for a few months. That will snarl things up!
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/46843
With I-95 in Philadelphia and I-10 in LA, this is now the 3rd unplanned interstate bridge closure in a major city just this year. That must be a record.
If those other 2 are anything to go by, this is only going to take a few weeks before the bridge is reopened.
RIDOT is in the midst of a major reconstruction of the bridge. I think the 3 month timeline is realistic pending anything else they find.
One would hope the eastbound side doesn't have any of these same deficiencies, or the whole eastern side of the Providence metropolitan area is just going to become one gridlocked mess.
According to an article I saw, workers found an issue Friday and engineers came in over the weekend to look at it and then it wasn't closed until Monday afternoon, after getting the report Monday morning. According to news reports it seems to be pretty significant and could've actually collapsed. I think it was a pin type design (Like I-95 in Mianus CT??)
Emergency vehicles can use the bridge, one by one they said.
The EB side seems newer according to GSV. I'm guessing they're 2 separate bridges just really close to each other?
If that's the case, what took them so long to close the bridge?? 2-3 days seems to be a long time from first suspicions to the actual closure. When there's truck vs bridges engineers are out immediately to look at the bridge.
There was another story in Arkansas where a worker or inspector called the police to shut down the I-40 bridge and they did so immediately.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0svFbN7RSI
Is this the ancient concrete arch bridge on I-195? I'm not surprised if that's the one.
Quote from: Alps on December 12, 2023, 05:44:26 PM
Is this the ancient concrete arch bridge on I-195? I'm not surprised if that's the one.
I'm not sure, it wasn't part of the interchange project. It was the bridge after.
I'm no engineer, but the photos of the bridge's underbelly shows significant deterioration so severe as to make you wonder why it was only discovered recently.
Quote from: Alps on December 12, 2023, 05:44:26 PM
Is this the ancient concrete arch bridge on I-195? I'm not surprised if that's the one.
It is the "twin" of the old arch bridge. The original arch bridge from the 1930s was the eastbound span, which was completely rebuilt within the last decade. The westbound span that was just found to have the problem was built in the 1960s when the crossing was expanded for the then-new I-195.
One reporter from a Providence TV station compared it to Boston during the Big Dig, which isn't inaccurate. The reason why traffic is so horrible, however, is because there few alternatives to enter Providence from the east besides local streets, as many residents of East Providence and the East Side of Providence are finding out.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 12, 2023, 09:07:22 PM
I'm no engineer, but the photos of the bridge's underbelly shows significant deterioration so severe as to make you wonder why it was only discovered recently.
They addressed that during today's briefing. Apparently, these same pins were just fine in July. Speculation is a heavy load did something that stressed pins to the point of failure.
Quote from: JMoses24 on December 13, 2023, 02:57:36 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 12, 2023, 09:07:22 PM
I'm no engineer, but the photos of the bridge's underbelly shows significant deterioration so severe as to make you wonder why it was only discovered recently.
They addressed that during today's briefing. Apparently, these same pins were just fine in July. Speculation is a heavy load did something that stressed pins to the point of failure.
I kinda hinted at that in another thread (maybe on FB) - these things don't fail over time, they look fine and then suddenly snap.
RIDOT has completed modifications to open two westbound lanes on the eastbound Washington Bridge until the westbound lanes are fixed.
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/road-work/washington-bridge-closure-december-15-2023/
There is a new traffic pattern at the mammoth I-95/RI-146 interchange, just north of the US-6/RI-10 interchange:
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/road-work/new-route-146-exit-on-i-95-north-opening-saturday/
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 06, 2024, 03:35:34 PM
There is a new traffic pattern at the mammoth I-95/RI-146 interchange, just north of the US-6/RI-10 interchange:
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/road-work/new-route-146-exit-on-i-95-north-opening-saturday/
So... if I'm looking at the project correctly... I-95 will essentially have an express/local system northbound through downtown Providence?
https://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/I-95ViaductNorth/
Quote from: vdeane on January 06, 2024, 10:01:52 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 06, 2024, 03:35:34 PM
There is a new traffic pattern at the mammoth I-95/RI-146 interchange, just north of the US-6/RI-10 interchange:
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/road-work/new-route-146-exit-on-i-95-north-opening-saturday/
So... if I'm looking at the project correctly... I-95 will essentially have an express/local system northbound through downtown Providence?
https://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/I-95ViaductNorth/
I don't think so, just some long CD lanes. There isn't much room in downtown Providence.
Quote from: pderocco on January 06, 2024, 10:17:37 PM
Quote from: vdeane on January 06, 2024, 10:01:52 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 06, 2024, 03:35:34 PM
There is a new traffic pattern at the mammoth I-95/RI-146 interchange, just north of the US-6/RI-10 interchange:
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/road-work/new-route-146-exit-on-i-95-north-opening-saturday/
So... if I'm looking at the project correctly... I-95 will essentially have an express/local system northbound through downtown Providence?
https://www.dot.ri.gov/projects/I-95ViaductNorth/
I don't think so, just some long CD lanes. There isn't much room in downtown Providence.
I suppose this is borderline on whether something is a c/d lane or local lanes, but I would be more inclined to view this as express/local given how the four lanes split into two for the interchanges, two thru.
Question: Was US 1A from Warwick to the MA Line demoted to RI 1A?
Quote from: mariethefoxy on January 07, 2024, 10:31:04 PM
Question: Was US 1A from Warwick to the MA Line demoted to RI 1A?
I've been curious about this myself. It appears that US 1A abd RI 1A are separate roadways. RI 1A, best known as Scenic 1A, follows US 1 through South County from Westerly to North Kingstown. US 1A runs from the much bigger communities of Warwick to Pawtucket, and isn't really scenic.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 08, 2024, 05:55:44 AM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on January 07, 2024, 10:31:04 PM
Question: Was US 1A from Warwick to the MA Line demoted to RI 1A?
I've been curious about this myself. It appears that US 1A abd RI 1A are separate roadways. RI 1A, best known as Scenic 1A, follows US 1 through South County from Westerly to North Kingstown. US 1A runs from the much bigger communities of Warwick to Pawtucket, and isn't really scenic.
US 1A appears to have been downgraded over a decade ago. Many locations, I can't even find US 1A signs in the history in street view - only RI 1A and MA 1A.
Quote from: vdeane on January 08, 2024, 01:00:54 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 08, 2024, 05:55:44 AM
Quote from: mariethefoxy on January 07, 2024, 10:31:04 PM
Question: Was US 1A from Warwick to the MA Line demoted to RI 1A?
I've been curious about this myself. It appears that US 1A abd RI 1A are separate roadways. RI 1A, best known as Scenic 1A, follows US 1 through South County from Westerly to North Kingstown. US 1A runs from the much bigger communities of Warwick to Pawtucket, and isn't really scenic.
US 1A appears to have been downgraded over a decade ago. Many locations, I can't even find US 1A signs in the history in street view - only RI 1A and MA 1A.
The Thurber's Ave Exit signs on I-95 had US 1A shields until recently. Also whoever is doing the wikipedia articles for Rhode Island needs to update the 1A page for the Providence/Pawtucket segment then
Was that ever really US-1A? The other 1A routes in RI were always state routes, as I recall, just as they are in MA. The fact that Google shows them as US-1A means nothing.
Quote from: pderocco on January 08, 2024, 11:09:29 PM
Was that ever really US-1A? The other 1A routes in RI were always state routes, as I recall, just as they are in MA. The fact that Google shows them as US-1A means nothing.
It was signed at one time as a US route and it must have had some kind of status, since TM included it as a US route for many years.
Had to have happened sometime between 2012 and 2014. The GSV at the corner of US 1 (Post Rd) in Warwick shows a US 1A shield in 2012 and a RI 1A shield in 2014. So it would seem the only legit US 1A's in New England are in CT and ME.
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on January 09, 2024, 01:23:09 PM
Had to have happened sometime between 2012 and 2014. The GSV at the corner of US 1 (Post Rd) in Warwick shows a US 1A shield in 2012 and a RI 1A shield in 2014. So it would seem the only legit US 1A's in New England are in CT and ME.
That's actually one of the last US 1A shields to remain. Pretty much every other location I can find reference to the route (aside from some guide signs on I-95) has been signed RI/MA 1A since at least 2008. Hence why it's hard to say when it lost the US route status.
Quote from: vdeane on January 09, 2024, 09:00:41 PM
Quote from: jp the roadgeek on January 09, 2024, 01:23:09 PM
Had to have happened sometime between 2012 and 2014. The GSV at the corner of US 1 (Post Rd) in Warwick shows a US 1A shield in 2012 and a RI 1A shield in 2014. So it would seem the only legit US 1A's in New England are in CT and ME.
That's actually one of the last US 1A shields to remain. Pretty much every other location I can find reference to the route (aside from some guide signs on I-95) has been signed RI/MA 1A since at least 2008. Hence why it's hard to say when it lost the US route status.
Did a search of the AASHTO database, there is only 1 application listed for US 1A for RI. This was from 1962 when RI got approval to switch the US 1 and 1A designations between Wakefield and Wickford. This for what is signed as RI 1A today, so the redesignation of US to RI 1A seems to have been going on for a while.
Link to the application: https://na4.visualvault.com/app/AASHTO/Default/documentviewer?DhID=a268064a-51e6-ea11-a98a-ff9beffbfef8&hidemenu=true (https://na4.visualvault.com/app/AASHTO/Default/documentviewer?DhID=a268064a-51e6-ea11-a98a-ff9beffbfef8&hidemenu=true)
You all sound uncertain, so let me state with certainty: US 1A has been de-designated in RI, and is entirely RI 1A now in all its segments.
Quote from: Alps on January 10, 2024, 05:45:23 PM
You all sound uncertain, so let me state with certainty: US 1A has been de-designated in RI, and is entirely RI 1A now in all its segments.
So decreeth the Alps.
Although 1-A is the same route throughout the state, the Providence-area 1-A still isn't Scenic 1-A, found in South County.
Though RI used to sign it with a US route shield, I don't think the Warwick-Attleboro route has ever been accepted by AASHTO as a US route. The section in MA was never signed as US-1A. It, like all A routes in Mass, was signed as a state route. I doubt AASHTO would have approved this as a US Alt route if it didn't include the entire route.
Quote from: Beeper1 on January 10, 2024, 07:40:03 PM
Though RI used to sign it with a US route shield, I don't think the Warwick-Attleboro route has ever been accepted by AASHTO as a US route. The section in MA was never signed as US-1A. It, like all A routes in Mass, was signed as a state route. I doubt AASHTO would have approved this as a US Alt route if it didn't include the entire route.
I believe it was. The section in MA was very short and MA just never got with it. I can't say with certainty and I'm not 100% sure if AASHTO had to approve A routes.
The latest on the repairs to the Washington Bridge:
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/providence/its-been-one-month-since-the-washington-bridge-closure/
Now this is certainly eye-opening.
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/i-195-washington-bridge-closure/ridot-washington-bridge-may-need-to-be-demolished/
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 22, 2024, 07:10:33 PM
Now this is certainly eye-opening.
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/i-195-washington-bridge-closure/ridot-washington-bridge-may-need-to-be-demolished/
Just tear the bridge down and rebuild it from the ground up!
They might as well demolish and reconstruct the existing bridge. We wouldn't want a repeat of what happened to the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis in 2007 to happen in Providence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I-35W_Mississippi_River_bridge.
It's quite a leap from the Washington Bridge being OK in July to needing complete replacement in January.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on January 22, 2024, 07:22:10 PM
They might as well demolish and reconstruct the existing bridge. We wouldn't want a repeat of what happened to the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis in 2007 to happen in Providence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I-35W_Mississippi_River_bridge.
I agree - hopefully they can fast track with some Federal funding. Unfortunately, it is going to take longer because they're going to have to mimic the architecture of the twin bridge. It's not going to be a simple flat beam bridge across. (Well, it technically could be, but it would look strange.)
Quote from: southshore720 on January 24, 2024, 11:43:36 AM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on January 22, 2024, 07:22:10 PM
They might as well demolish and reconstruct the existing bridge. We wouldn't want a repeat of what happened to the Interstate 35W bridge in Minneapolis in 2007 to happen in Providence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I-35W_Mississippi_River_bridge.
I agree - hopefully they can fast track with some Federal funding. Unfortunately, it is going to take longer because they're going to have to mimic the architecture of the twin bridge. It's not going to be a simple flat beam bridge across. (Well, it technically could be, but it would look strange.)
Since the bridge is regionally significant as the only real way to and from Providence from the East Bayt/SE Mass, it should be replaced as quickly as possible. The current band aids aren't sustainable. Of course, this being Rhode Island, replacing the bridge will be anything but easy or cheap (likely to be quite the opposite).
I get the feeling this will not end well:
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/mckee-feds-are-investigating-i-195-washington-bridge-closure/
Quote from: vdeane on June 10, 2023, 03:03:01 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 10, 2023, 11:56:58 AM
I went through the newly still-under-construction Newport-side approaches today. The signage for RI-138 East from the new access road is confusing...if it's not an error, it's almost as if the State wants drivers to use Connell/Coddington to get to RI-114 instead of Admiral Kalbfus. Getting to the bridge isn't any better, with no clear signage. I'm sure it wil change before too long.
Who knows, they might. There will need to be some work with the route designations regardless due to RI 138A and RI 238, so who knows what they have planned. Google Maps seems to be convinced that something will happen there July 10, so maybe we'll know then.
Circling back to this discussion, I drove through Newport yesterday. More work has been completed; the old outdated ramp from the Pell Bridge eastbound into Newport that always backed up in the summer has been dismantled and there are now two left turn lanes for those heading into Newport from the bridge. The old freeway stub continues to be taken apart piece by piece.
As for the left turn for RI-138 on Admiral Kalbfus (even though RI-138 actually turns right), the former is signed as "Truck Route" which kind of makes sense. JT Connell/Coddington can be congested with all of the traffic heading into and out of the shopping center, as well as those seeking to avoid West Main Road as much as possible.
https://www.eastbayri.com/stories/mt-hope-bridge-ban-bewilders-bikers,113028
This was a strange bit of two state agencies not coordinating stuff. RI Turnpike and Bridge Authority operates the Mt Hope bridge. RIDOT has always signed the bridge as no pedestrians, but has share the road signage for bikes. Even the state bicycle maps (last updated in 2020) state the bridge is bikes permitted. This summer, RITBA slaps up no bike signs. They not only claim they're not allowed, but have never been allowed.
It is certainly not the safest thing to cycle across. I've done it once in my life (each way in a single ride). It must suck though to live down there and cycle, because there are 4 bridges, and now only 1 allows cyclist, and that one is a sidewalk (not plowed for snow in the winter) over to Tiverton along RI 24.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 04, 2024, 06:30:04 AM
Quote from: vdeane on June 10, 2023, 03:03:01 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 10, 2023, 11:56:58 AM
I went through the newly still-under-construction Newport-side approaches today. The signage for RI-138 East from the new access road is confusing...if it's not an error, it's almost as if the State wants drivers to use Connell/Coddington to get to RI-114 instead of Admiral Kalbfus. Getting to the bridge isn't any better, with no clear signage. I'm sure it wil change before too long.
Who knows, they might. There will need to be some work with the route designations regardless due to RI 138A and RI 238, so who knows what they have planned. Google Maps seems to be convinced that something will happen there July 10, so maybe we'll know then.
Circling back to this discussion, I drove through Newport yesterday. More work has been completed; the old outdated ramp from the Pell Bridge eastbound into Newport that always backed up in the summer has been dismantled and there are now two left turn lanes for those heading into Newport from the bridge. The old freeway stub continues to be taken apart piece by piece.
As for the left turn for RI-138 on Admiral Kalbfus (even though RI-138 actually turns right), the former is signed as "Truck Route" which kind of makes sense. JT Connell/Coddington can be congested with all of the traffic heading into and out of the shopping center, as well as those seeking to avoid West Main Road as much as possible.
Yeah, it's a mess. That sign coming from the bridge is the only one saying RI 138 goes that way; everything else still shows it going the way it always has. RI 138A is harder to pin down, but if we assume that all signs that have or lack a TO banner are correct, it appears to end at the roundabout. RI 238 isn't signed around here at all; it it even still around?
Quote from: vdeane on February 04, 2024, 04:04:47 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 04, 2024, 06:30:04 AM
Quote from: vdeane on June 10, 2023, 03:03:01 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 10, 2023, 11:56:58 AM
I went through the newly still-under-construction Newport-side approaches today. The signage for RI-138 East from the new access road is confusing...if it's not an error, it's almost as if the State wants drivers to use Connell/Coddington to get to RI-114 instead of Admiral Kalbfus. Getting to the bridge isn't any better, with no clear signage. I'm sure it wil change before too long.
Who knows, they might. There will need to be some work with the route designations regardless due to RI 138A and RI 238, so who knows what they have planned. Google Maps seems to be convinced that something will happen there July 10, so maybe we'll know then.
Circling back to this discussion, I drove through Newport yesterday. More work has been completed; the old outdated ramp from the Pell Bridge eastbound into Newport that always backed up in the summer has been dismantled and there are now two left turn lanes for those heading into Newport from the bridge. The old freeway stub continues to be taken apart piece by piece.
As for the left turn for RI-138 on Admiral Kalbfus (even though RI-138 actually turns right), the former is signed as "Truck Route" which kind of makes sense. JT Connell/Coddington can be congested with all of the traffic heading into and out of the shopping center, as well as those seeking to avoid West Main Road as much as possible.
Yeah, it's a mess. That sign coming from the bridge is the only one saying RI 138 goes that way; everything else still shows it going the way it always has. RI 138A is harder to pin down, but if we assume that all signs that have or lack a TO banner are correct, it appears to end at the roundabout. RI 238 isn't signed around here at all; it it even still around?
RI 238 is still around, was never really signed well.
Meanwhile, the state is making progress on completing the critical I-95/RI-4 interchange
https://news.yahoo.com/ri-lands-81m-grant-build-230040548.html
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 06, 2024, 05:57:15 AM
Meanwhile, the state is making progress on completing the critical I-95/RI-4 interchange
https://news.yahoo.com/ri-lands-81m-grant-build-230040548.html
It's remarkable how Rhode Island is able to actually follow through on its highway improvement promises, unlike Massachusetts.
Quote from: kernals12 on February 06, 2024, 08:32:47 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 06, 2024, 05:57:15 AM
Meanwhile, the state is making progress on completing the critical I-95/RI-4 interchange
https://news.yahoo.com/ri-lands-81m-grant-build-230040548.html
It's remarkable how Rhode Island is able to actually follow through on its highway improvement promises, unlike Massachusetts.
It helps that this project would benefit the Quonset area, one of the few true economic bright spots in the state.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 06, 2024, 09:16:14 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on February 06, 2024, 08:32:47 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 06, 2024, 05:57:15 AM
Meanwhile, the state is making progress on completing the critical I-95/RI-4 interchange
https://news.yahoo.com/ri-lands-81m-grant-build-230040548.html
It's remarkable how Rhode Island is able to actually follow through on its highway improvement promises, unlike Massachusetts.
It helps that this project would benefit the Quonset area, one of the few true economic bright spots in the state.
Maybe we will see the other end of Route 4 finally have those horrible traffic lights removed in favor of overpasses. If they can do it on Route 146, they can do it on Route 4!
I think it was local and environmental opposition that has prevented the signaled intersections on RI 4 from being converted to interchanges. As for the Interstate 95/RI 4 interchange upgrade, it appears the existing 95S-to-4S exit ramp will remain on the left-hand side. If the DOT wanted to move it to the right-hand side, there appears to be enough right-of-way to do it easily.
I think it would be more environmental than local, although I'm sure many in North Kingstown would be against it. Every so often in the local paper, there are complains from nearby residents who complain about trucks using their jake brakes as they slow at the signals. Many also complain that it can take quite a long time to get on to RI-4 at the signals, especially at Allenton Road (I can confirm). They also note that the state bought some houses in preparation for an expressway but that nothing happened. Under these circumstances, the community could conceivably support an extension of the highway that would remove the signals. Of course, that leaves the environmental objections which we know will surface, as well as the Shady Lea historic district which has the luck of being at the very end of RI-4 and US-1.
Those ramps are long overdue. They acquired land and demolished houses 25+ years ago. It's been so long that the bridge they built over Lafayette Road to support the highway extension has already been rebuilt!
Meanwhile, the Washington Bridge debacle continues:
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/i-195-washington-bridge-closure/washington-bridge-oversight-hearing-slated-for-next-week/
The City of East Providence has also been quite vocal about the toll the closure and detours have had on their community.
Quote from: spooky on February 07, 2024, 02:04:08 PM
Those ramps are long overdue. They acquired land and demolished houses 25+ years ago. It's been so long that the bridge they built over Lafayette Road to support the highway extension has already been rebuilt!
Something about those concrete bridges from the early 90s. The bridge carrying US-9 over the Wappinger Creek (https://www.google.com/maps/@41.6083011,-73.9112445,3a,75y,317.1h,59.63t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1srQPwVntLgKOSQLGQsyVPEA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1) in NY was replaced (everything except the piers) this past summer due to premature deterioration. It was built in 1991 and was in "poor" condition only about 30 years later...
The latest on the Washington Bridge:
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/i-195-washington-bridge-closure/mckee-ridot-to-announce-new-traffic-pattern-for-washington-bridge/
Yeesh, that's going to be a white-knuckle experience! :verymad:
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 21, 2024, 06:38:09 PM
The latest in the Washington Bridge:
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/i-195-washington-bridge-closure/mckee-ridot-to-announce-new-traffic-pattern-for-washington-bridge/
Iiiiiiii would rather just as soon keep it 2 lanes.
Washington Bridge decision coming today:
https://www.wpri.com/traffic/i-195-washington-bridge-closure/ri-officials-set-to-announce-washington-bridge-decision-thursday/
Even though it would be the most expensive option, they probably should construct a new bridge in the westbound direction. After 55 years of service, simply repairing the bridge may not be enough to keep the bridge in use.
Well, it's official. The Interstate 195 westbound Washington Bridge will be demolished and replaced: https://apnews.com/article/rhode-island-washington-bridge-closure-b6843610619bb76111458c58b4f38502. It will be a mess for a couple of years, but the project should be completed by the end of 2026.
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on March 14, 2024, 06:26:47 PM
Well, it's official. The Interstate 195 westbound Washington Bridge will be demolished and replaced: https://apnews.com/article/rhode-island-washington-bridge-closure-b6843610619bb76111458c58b4f38502. It will be a mess for a couple of years, but the project should be completed by the end of 2026.
I was reading another article where RIDOT will place the eastbound bridge into a temporary configuration to carry traffic in both directions while the westbound bridge is demolished and rebuilt.
https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/03/15/washington-bridge-providence-demolish
In related news, the City of Providence is considering removing some of the bike lanes on some 195-adjacent streets to help ease the massive increase in traffic the city has experienced since the bridge was first closed in December.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on March 17, 2024, 01:56:17 PM
In related news, the City of Providence is considering removing some of the bike lanes on some 195-adjacent streets to help ease the massive increase in traffic the city has experienced since the bridge was first closed in December.
There goes the climate.
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on March 17, 2024, 01:56:17 PM
In related news, the City of Providence is considering removing some of the bike lanes on some 195-adjacent streets to help ease the massive increase in traffic the city has experienced since the bridge was first closed in December.
I hope they don't. I'm sure RIDOT wouldn't, and I've been in Providence enough to see those lanes do get used by bikes when the weather permits, both weekend and weekday.
Seen from I-95 south: looks like a new traffic pattern has emerged at the Providence mixmaster, where traffic entering from 6/10 north no longer have to cut over two lanes of traffic exiting for RI-146 to stay on I-95 north. That alone is a huge improvement.