PROVIDENCE, RI (WJAR) – With years of traffic problems ahead, Providence is looking for long-term ways to ease congestion by replacing the Washington Bridge.
That could include changing or removing bike lanes.
“We’re seeing traffic in places we wouldn’t have anticipated on Allen’s Avenue as people try to bypass themselves, try to get to 95 North, back up because they’re stuck, they can’t get through. because people are trying to reach 195,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “We have to make some infrastructural changes now that we know this is going to be relatively long,” he added Thursday.
On Sunday, press secretary Josh Estrella told NBC 10: “Now that we know this closure is going to be going on for at least the next two years, we’re going to take a hard look at the areas of the city that have been most impacted. so that we can implement permanent solutions to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. It is too early to say what changes will need to be made and where, but at this point all options remain on the table.”
The city has confirmed that changing or removing the bike lane on South Water Street is a possibility.
“They look pretty empty,” said Lori Park of Providence.
The road near the pedestrian bridge can back up with traffic as people try to get on I-195 East near India Point Park, the good side of the bridge taking the traffic from the bad side.
“I can see why it would be a good idea, right while the bridge is being worked on,” said Park.
The idea drew mixed reviews from the riders and cyclists we spoke to.
“That’s not a helpful way to think about the traffic problem. I think this bike lane is a vital piece of infrastructure for people here,” said Jackie Goldman of Providence.
“I’m always trying to make it more efficient for us to cross the bridge faster, because it takes us more time to get here, where it’s not just an eight-hour work day, it’s become 10 or 12 hours. work day ” said Jessica Narwold, who travels over the Washington Bridge every day.
Some drivers told NBC 10 they would like to see more police officers helping direct traffic, in areas where backups occur.
Others say they think more people biking to work or using RITPA would help with congestion.
