Rhode Island News

[southshore720]

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?

[Alps]

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.

[shadyjay]

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

[Alps]

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!

[Ted$8roadFan]

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.

[Ted$8roadFan]

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.

[vdeane]

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.

[southshore720]

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." 

[Ted$8roadFan]

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.

[The Ghostbuster]

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?

[CtrlAltDel]

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:

[shadyjay]

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. 

[Alps]

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.

[Ted$8roadFan]

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.

[southshore720]

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.

[Plutonic Panda]

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

[zzcarp]

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. It may add congestion to US 1 but won't affect the rest of the freeway.

Also, looking under this bridge in Streetview, they have what appears to be timber supports assisting the concrete piers in holding up the bridge.

[Ted$8roadFan]

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. It may add congestion to US 1 but won't affect the rest of the freeway.

Also, looking under this bridge in Streetview, 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.

[Alps]

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.

[SectorZ]

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. It may add congestion to US 1 but won't affect the rest of the freeway.

Also, looking under this bridge in Streetview, 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.

[The Ghostbuster]

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.

[Mergingtraffic]

Anybody been by the Henderson Bridge lately? Any progress photos? More importantly, are the button copy signs still up?

Taken in 2021 I believe:

[Alps]

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

[Plutonic Panda]

Looks like Newport's "road to nowhere"  is going to be completed:

https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/newports-road-to-nowhere-begins-going-somewhere/62531

[vdeane]

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.