Work zone impact thresholds

Rhode Island evaluates all closures based on volumes and the theoretical capacity of a lane indicated in HCM. RIDOT normally does not allow lane closures between 7am to 9am or 3pm to 6pm on any limited-access facility or high-volume commuter roadways. If the roadway cannot function with a lane restriction, RIDOT will require that all work be performed at night, starting at 11pm and ending by 6am. If the volumes are low enough, a start time as early as 8pm may be allowed. Recent traffic back-ups due to construction activities have resulted in a new policy that prohibits any lane closures in the daytime on the interstate system in the greater Providence area.
Contractors can appeal time restrictions, but since this is a public safety issue and mobility remains a high priority in Rhode Island, times do not usually vary from the above.