Overview
The goal of this project is to improve the safety and efficiency of the existing ramp between I-295 northbound and I-95 southbound.
The scope of this project entails:
- The realignment of the ramp to improve traffic flow onto I-95 southbound.
- The existing ramp bridge superstructure will be removed as part of the ramp closure.
- The bridge on I-95 over Ten Mile River will be widened to accommodate the lengthening of the existing acceleration lane.
- Construction of new roadway merge and diverge areas, approach guardrails, guardrails, and drainage improvements are also part of this project.
- The bridge rail on the east side (far left travel lane) of the I-95 bridge over Ten Mile River will also be replaced.
MassDOT will develop a construction plan that lessens temporary construction impacts on the community and traveling public.
Construction and traffic management
Preliminary site set up, including site survey and necessary vegetation removal will take place in Winter/Spring 2024.
This project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Lane closures will vary in phases as the work progresses to allow crews to safely shift traffic and allow access for construction operations.
Phase I
Phase I is expected to begin May 12, 2024, and continue for approximately 6 months.
During the first phase, through-traffic on I-95 southbound will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes. Traffic from I-295 northbound to I-95 southbound will be maintained in its existing condition.
The new guardrail and bridge rail on the east side of I-95 southbound will be installed during this phase, and work will include pavement widening, curb installation, drainage adjustments, slope grading, and any other work that is associated with the new rail installation. Vegetation removal for the new ramp layout will also occur but there is no anticipated impact on traffic from this activity.
Anticipated traffic impacts for Phase I.
Phase II
Traffic will be returned to normal conditions on I-95 southbound for Phase II. Shoulder closures on I-95 southbound will be used during this phase. The new ramp shall be constructed during this phase.
New I-95 Southbound on-ramp alignment.
Temporary weekend shutdowns of the I-95 southbound ramp off I-295 northbound
Between Phases II and III a temporary shutdown of the ramp shall be utilized to complete the connection between the new ramp and I-95 southbound/I-295. A detour route will be put in place, likely occurring over a weekend in Fall 2024, from approximately 7 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Monday (see detour below). Closure of the right most lane on I-95 southbound will also occur during this detour.
Anticipated detour route for weekend ramp closures.
Phase III
During the third phase traffic traveling from I-295 to I-95 southbound will utilize the newly constructed ramp. At the merge with I-95 southbound, traffic controls will be used to establish a dedicated acceleration lane for traffic to safely enter I-95 while demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new bridge is underway. It is intended that two lanes of I-95 southbound traffic will be maintained during this phase.
Pavement resurfacing and the installation of permanent markings on I-95 southbound will be completed using temporary nighttime lane closures once all other work items have been completed.
Anticipated traffic impacts for Phase III.
Construction impact mitigation is expected to include:
- Traffic diversions
- Signed detours for ramp closures
- Dust and pollutant containment
- Keeping abutters and users informed through public outreach
- Night and weekend work to minimize traffic impacts
Staying informed
Continue to visit the project website for more information on the project, impacts, and how to get involved and stay informed.
If your neighborhood organization, advocacy group, or other community organization would like to request a briefing, please send an email to: i95rampattleboro@dot.state.ma.us.