Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

CROSSOVER TO EAST SIDE OF WASHINGTON BRIDGE TO SHIFT
 

As part of its ongoing project to reduce congestion and travel times and provide three lanes of travel in both directions of I-195 over the Washington Bridge, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will be shifting the crossover point for westbound traffic a half-mile closer to the Washington Bridge during the overnight hours Monday, April 8. The change will be complete before the morning commute on Tuesday, April 9. At this time, there will still be two lanes of travel westbound and eastbound.

 

Drivers will not need to adjust their route. They need to stay in their lanes through the new crossover to the eastbound side of I-195, following the reduced 40 mph speed limit. This change creates a work zone so RIDOT can continue construction necessary to fully implement the three-lane configuration later this month. The Department is on schedule to complete this work on or before April 22. 

 

Other changes in preparation of the full three-lane configuration will precede the full implementation of this change. RIDOT will launch an informational ad campaign to prepare travelers. This work is weather dependent.  
 
  

Department of Transportation, Two Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02903 | www.ridot.net

Travelers are dealing with delays and cancellations at airports across the country due to the government shutdown. Already today there have been more than one-thousand flights canceled and nearly five-thousand delayed. The Secretary of Transportation says he's putting safety first as air traffic controllers are forced to work while not getting paid. The FAA announced cuts at 40 big airports impacting four-percent of all scheduled flights and that percentage will increase every day until it hits ten-percent next week.        The Senate is calling it quits for the night as Republicans and Democrats remain dug in as the shutdown rolls on. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they will return tomorrow, but added it's not certain there will be anything to vote on. Today, Democrats blocked a Republican measure that would pay federal workers while the government remains shut. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer earlier said Democrats will sign the GOP House-passed bill to re-open the government if it includes a one-year-Obamacare credit extension. Thune called it a "nonstarter," adding a one-year extension doesn't address the core issues of Obamacare.        President Trump's claims of Thanksgiving dinner bought at Walmart being this year are being challenged. Trump has touted his efforts towards "affordability," using WalMart's advertised price of under 40-bucks, down from last year's price of about 55-dollars. The President was asked today at the White House about WalMart noting this year's Thanksgiving basket of food contains fewer items than last year. Trump accused the reporter of "fake news."        Colder temperatures will be felt by millions next week. It's due to an area low of pressure that's forecast to move down from Canada and impact the eastern part of the country starting on Sunday. Those in the Dakotas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota could wake up to single digit wind chills.        The 2026 edition of the Farmer's Almanac will be the last. The Almanac is known for long-term weather predictions, gardening guides, fishing and moon phases. In a statement, editor Sandi Duncan and Editor Emeritus Peter Geiger said they are incredibly proud of the legacy they leave behind and are filled with gratitude.        This Sunday's game between the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders will be attended by President Trump. The Commanders said they are honored to welcome the president to help celebrate veterans and active-duty service members. Trump will reportedly sit with Commanders owner Josh Harris in his private box.       

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