« Update: Travel seems smooth by train or plane | Today | Nursing home outfit with R.I. ties declares bankruptcy »

November 21, 2007

Big trucks to be banned from Pawtucket bridge

The state Department of Transportation next Wednesday will ban trucks weighing 22 tons or more from using the Pawtucket River Bridge on Route 95 -- exits 27 and 28.

Trucks will have to follow any of three recommended detours in or around Pawtucket and Providence.

Trucks bypassing Providence should use Route 295.

Trucks going to Providence from Massachusetts should use Route 295 south to Route 146 south.

Trucks headed to Pawtucket will need to follow signs for local detours.

Detour through Pawtucket for trucks from Route 95 South.

Detour through Pawtucket for trucks from from Route 95 North.

Division Street westbound detour for cars to George Street offramp.

George Street onramp closure car detour route to Route 95 North.

The Rhode Island State Police will work with the DOT to enforce the restrictions.

“The Pawtucket River Bridge is safe,” Jerome F. Williams, the DOT director, said in the statement. “The posting restrictions that go into effect next week are another step RIDOT is taking to ensure that it stays that way.”

The posted ban on Route 95 will not affect cars, SUVs, ambulances, and light trucks. Buses, school buses and large empty trucks will still be able to go over the bridge.

Trucks and heavy vehicles, such as most full tractor-trailers, will need to use the alternate routes.

Fixed and variable message signs will alert truckers to the changes.

The DOT has been doing emergency repairs on the bridge.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 12:55 PM | Permalink

Comments

Post a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email Address:

URL:
Remember Me? YesNo

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)