A stretch of Route 95 in Providence will be closed for 13 nights, beginning tonight, as the state Department of Transportation puts a new overpass in place. Motorists driving in, out and through the city will be rerouted.

What part of the highway will be closed?

The section between Exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue) and Exit 20 (Route 195 East).

Why are they closing the road?

The DOT’s contractors will be installing heavy steel beams over the highway to support ramps that will make up part of the new Route 95-Route 195 interchange. It’s not safe to drive underneath while the work is going on.

What nights will the highway be closed?

All lanes of the highway will be closed in one or both directions Sunday through Thursday nights from tonight through May 15.

The highway will be open on Friday and Saturday nights and on holidays.

All work is weather permitting. The project could take longer if weather — in particular, heavy rain — interferes.

At what times will the highway be closed?

The DOT will begin shutting down the lanes at 8 p.m., with the highway completely closed at 11 p.m. The road is to reopen by 5:30 a.m.

How can I avoid the construction?

Passing through Rhode Island on Route 95, either northbound or southbound: Take Route 295 around the city.

Passing through Providence on Route 95:

From the south: Take Route 10, rejoining Route 95 north of the construction.

From the north: Take Exit 22B to Route 10 south, rejoining Route 95 south of the construction.

What happens if I just stay on Route 95?

From the south: You’ll be sent off the highway at Exit 18 (Thurbers Avenue, south of downtown). From there, the DOT will post a detour north on Allens Avenue and onto other city streets, rejoining Route 95 at the Providence Place mall. The detour also links with Route 195 east.

Coming from the north, you need to make a decision and be alert. If you’re headed farther south, take Exit 22B to Route 10. If you stay on Route 95 south, you will be sent off the exit to Route 195 east.

How will this affect my morning commute?

If you commute on Route 95 before 5:30 a.m., you should consider an alternate route to avoid a probable detour.

After that, it depends on how late the construction work ran, whether traffic backed up, and so on.

How will this affect my evening commute?

Unless you drive after 8 p.m., it shouldn’t. After that, you’ll need to consider alternate routes and could experience delays.

How can I find out what the traffic’s like?

There will be several sources, including:

1) DOT signs on the highway. These include five overhead dynamic message signs and 12 portable signs.

2) DOT traffic updates via phone, by dialing 511 in state and 1-888-401-4511 for out-of-state callers.

3) DOT radio reports, at 1630 AM.

4) Several features on the DOT’s Web site, on its Traffic Management Center page, at: http://www.tmc.state.ri.us/

These include:

• Live traffic Webcams

• The radio reports

• "Jam factor" alerts measuring how backed up traffic is

• Congestion maps showing where traffic is backed up

• Traffic alerts, reporting accidents and other traffic interruptions. You can also sign up for these to be delivered by e-mail.

What if I’m stuck in traffic because of the closing and experience a roadside emergency?

If you have a cell phone, you can report it to (401) 222-2378. State and Providence police will also be posted at key locations on Route 95 and local roads.