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 began in May 2024.
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 I construction photos
As of August 2024, the contractor has prepared the site of the new I-95 southbound on-ramp including construction of the earth work of the new ramp, and installation of drainage structures. Work on the existing bridge on I-95 southbound has progressed including modifications and installations to the support structure, bridge deck, bridge approach and barrier.
Crews install bridge deck beam on I-95 southbound (June 2024).
Bridge approach slab and barrier installation (August 2024).
Crew pours concrete for bridge deck beam (July 2024).
Site preparation for new I-95 southbound ramp site (August 2024).
Phase II
Phase II is expected to begin at the end of September 2024. 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.
Additionally, during this phase, temporary shutdowns of the I-95 southbound ramp off I-295 northbound (Exit 4A) will occur overnight between 10 PM and 5 AM. The right lane on I-95 southbound will also be closed overnight. These shutdowns are scheduled for September 30 and October 1, 2024 (weather permitting).
Detour route for weekend ramp and lane closures.
Phase III
Phase III is expected to begin after the temporary weekend shutdown in October 2024. 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. During this phase, the right lane and shoulder on I-95 southbound in Attleboro will close for approximately 8 months.
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.
Temporary overnight shutdown of the I-95 southbound ramp off I-295 northbound
During Phase III, temporary shutdowns of the ramp shall be utilized for overnight construction operations. Scheduled for May 4-8, 2025, a detour route will be put in place from approximately 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night (see detour below).
Overnight work scheduled for May 11-30, 2025 will include on and off shutdowns of the ramp (Exit 4A) between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night while milling, paving, and line striping operations are occurring on I-95 southbound (see detour below).
All lanes of traffic on I-95 southbound are scheduled to be open to traffic at the completion of this overnight work, with the potential for future daytime single lane closures to address any follow-up work.
Anticipated detour route for overnight ramp closures.
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.