RIDOT: traffic changes to Wickenden St

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Department of Transportation plans to make some interim changes to traffic patterns in Providence.

As part of the I-way project , the changes will happen on Wickenden Street beginning Wednesday, March 24.

RIDOT says the project will take place during the day, and expect to be in place for the afternoon commute.

The changes involve new signals and the elimination of a jughandle, an auxilary road used for making left-hand turns and U-turns. Here is a breakdown of the changes to Wickenden Street:

Eastbound:

-Left land is dedicated for turns onto South Main Street only.

-Center land allows through traffic and left turns onto Benefit Street.

-Right lane allows through traffic only.

Wesbound:

-Existing signal at Benefit street remains.

-New Signal at South Main Street.

The new traffic pattern is expected to remain in place for two years, when the final phases of the I-way are finished.

Drivers with questions may contact RIDOT at 401-222-2450 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m, or online .