The city of East Providence has announced a series of new traffic restrictions that will go into effect this week to ease the congestion caused by the Washington Bridge closure. The bridge, which connects East Providence and Providence, has been closed since December 2023 for repairs and is expected to reopen within three months.
The following changes are being implemented by Wednesday, 1/10/24:
1. Warren Ave westbound from Slocum Street/I-195 East off-ramp will be converted to two lanes going west towards Broadway. One lane will be right turn only towards the 195 west on-ramp. The other lane will be for left turn or through traffic only. The
2. A traffic control officer (Police/Civilian) will be in the intersection of Broadway and Warren Ave controlling the traffic flow and preventing motorists from blocking the box.
3. Grosvenor Ave westbound at Broadway will be Right turn only during designated hours 7-9am and 4-6pm. in the morning and evening rush hours.
4. Do Not Block the box signage and road markings will be placed at the Broadway and Grosvenor intersection.
5. A traffic control officer (Police/Civilian) will be in the intersection of Broadway and Grosvenor controlling the traffic flow and preventing motorists from blocking the box.
6. Hull Street at Grosvenor will be closed to through traffic and only local/residents will be allowed to enter Hull Street southbound. This will help prevent motorists from using Baker and Agnes Streets as a shortcut and bypass to Broadway which contributes to additional gridlock.
7. Markings and signs will be placed at Orchard Street at Broadway reminding motorists to not block that intersection.
The city urged drivers to be patient and cautious as they navigate the new traffic patterns and the snowy conditions. The city also encouraged people to support local businesses and restaurants that have been affected by the bridge closure and the pandemic. For more information on the traffic restrictions and the parking ban, visit the city’s website 3 or call the traffic hotline at 401-435-75001. (Photo: Getty Images Source: WPRI TV)