RIDOT changing traffic patterns on I-95 South in Providence

Relocated Exit 20 (I-195)

RIDOT has again moved the location of Exit 20 for I-195. The access for this exit is about 1,000 feet to the south of its prior location.

The exit is now located just before the Point Street Overpass, in roughly the same location as it was when Exit 20 opened to the Iway in December 2008. Ongoing Iway construction, however, has shifted I-95 South left of its original alignment. RIDOT must build a temporary ramp to connect I-95 to Exit 20. The temporary ramp has a slight incline, and as such motorists should reduce speed and exercise caution when using the temporary ramp.

The new access for Exit 20 will function as it always has, with three lanes for I-95 South through traffic and two lanes for exiting traffic onto I-195 East.

The new pattern will be in place until Fall 2010. The change provides space to continue construction of the permanent alignment of Exit 20, construction of a new on-ramp from Point Street to I-95 South, and construction of a new exit for the hospitals area. RIDOT expects the new ramps at Point Street and the hospitals area to be open in late 2010. The Point Street ramp will serve as a replacement for the Broad Street on-ramp, which RIDOT closed in December 2008. The new hospitals ramp will replace the current Exit 19, but also will provide a connection to Eddy Street.

Each traffic change RIDOT has implemented with the Iway project has involved short-term increases in congestion, and the Department urges motorists to familiarize themselves with the new traffic pattern before driving through it.

Drivers who find themselves in the wrong lanes should continue driving to the next exit to reverse direction. Stopping or reversing on the Interstate is dangerous and is prohibited. See RIDOT's "if you missed it" directions below.

For further information, please see maps and additional information below, as well as the press release outlining all the changes. Drivers with questions can contact RIDOT's Customer Service office on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 401-222-2450.

Keep in mind that online mapping programs and GPS systems will not reflect these changes.

Exit 20 Relocation

Click to download in PDF format


Essential Changes

Relocated Exit 20 (I-195)

Two Left Lanes	Center Right Lane	Right Lane
Allow through traffic for I-95 South only	Access to I-95 South or I-195 East	Access to I-195 East only
Access to hospitals complex via Exit 19	Access to hospitals complex via Exit 19	Access to I-195 East only

Alternate Routes for I-95 South

Route	Distance	Mileage difference vs. remaining on I-95 South
Exit 22B to Rte. 10 South, returning to I-95 South at Exit 16 in Cranston.	4.5 miles	+ 0.1 miles
Exit 22B to Rte. 6 West to I-295 South, returning to I-95 South at Exit 11 in Warwick.	14.7 miles	+ 4.8 miles
I-295 South, entire length, from Exit 4 in Attleboro, Mass. to Exit 11 in Warwick.	27.8 miles	+ 6.4 miles
From Rte. 146, area of Mineral Spring Avenue: Mineral Spring Avenue (Rte. 15) West to Putnam Pike (Rte. 44) West to I-295 South, returning to I-95 South at Exit 11 in Warwick.	17.3 miles	+ 4 miles
From Rte. 146, area of Mineral Spring Avenue: Rte. 246 North to Rte. 146 North to I-295 South, returning to I-95 South at Exit 11 in Warwick.	25 miles	+11.7 miles

Missed your exit?

Do not stop, back up or weave suddenly across lanes. Keep driving straight to the suggested detours below:

I wanted to...	But I ...	What do I do?
Stay on I-95 South	Stayed right and took Exit 20 for I-195 East	Reverse direction using Exit 2 (India St.). Turn left at the end of the ramp, then turn right onto Gano Street. Turn left after highway overpass to use on-ramp to I-195 West. Alternatively, use Exit 5 (Warren Avenue). Turn left at the end of the ramp, then take the next left for I-195 West.
Take Exit 20 to I-195 East	Stayed left onto I-95 South	Use Exit 18 (Thurbers Ave.) Turn left at the end of the ramp, then turn left after highway overpass onto ramp for I-95 North. Use Exit 19 to reach I-195 East.
Go to the hospital complex	Stayed right and took Exit 20 for I-195 East	Option 1: Reverse direction to use I-195 West using Exit 5 (Warren Avenue). Turn left at the end of the ramp, then take the next left for I-195 West. Stay left for I-95 South and take Exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue). Follow signs to the hospitals. Option 2: Take Exit 2 (India St.). Turn left at the end of the ramp, toward Gano Street. At stop sign, turn right, then take second left onto Wickenden Street. Follow onto Point Street and turn left onto Eddy Street at Davol Square. Follow signs to the hospitals. Option 3: Take Exit 2 (India St.). Turn left at the end of the ramp, toward Gano Street. At stop sign, turn right, then take first left onto I-195 West. Follow to I-95 South and use Exit 18 (Thurbers Ave.)