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November 7, 2007

Lucky 13? Last night's 58-minute trip cut to 45

PROVIDENCE -- Is it a Lucky 13 or a portent that commuting times are on their way down?

Last night, our reporter's slog from Route 95 north in Pawtucket to the Washington Bridge in East Providence took 58 minutes to cover the 5.8 miles, under the new traffic pattern resulting from the opening Sunday of the first section of the Route 195 relocation known as Iway.

Tonight, it took 45 minutes for the same distance, 13 fewer minutes than last night at the same commuter time.

Shortly after 6 p.m., our reporter said the slow-going was not as backed up as far north on Route 95 as it was at this time yesterday.

The stop-and-go southbound traffic begins around the North Main Street-Smithfield Avenue exit around the Providence/Pawtucket border. Last night at this time the backup extended to the School Street exit in Pawtucket -- about 1.3 miles north.

Cars appeared to be moving a little bit better this evening, but it was still bumper-to-bumper and stop-and-go.

Pending other changes, the state Department of Transportation is seeking to have commuters alter their routes leaving Providence.

-- With reports from Journal staff writer Alisha Pina

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 6:14 PM | Permalink

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