News Summary
Rhode Island launches an extensive series of road projects this summer, impacting travel and transforming the state’s infrastructure with a $779 million investment. Key initiatives include the I-95 15 project, replacing 15 bridges, and Route 10’s transformation into a boulevard. Additional projects focus on safety enhancements, bridge replacements, and new connections to improve traffic flow. The undertakings promise to significantly upgrade transportation access and safety for residents and travelers alike by 2031.
Providence, Rhode Island – Rhode Island is embarking on an ambitious series of road projects this summer, a phase of construction that is set to impact travel while also transforming the state’s infrastructure by 2031. With a total cost of $779 million, numerous upgrades are in motion, addressing various transportation challenges across the state.
The most significant of these projects, known as the “I-95 15” initiative, aims to replace 15 bridges along the I-95 corridor in Providence and Cranston. This is distinct from additional work being done on the downtown Providence viaduct. Construction is set to commence in 2024 and is slated for completion by 2031.
Beyond bridge replacements, significant modifications will be made to Route 10, which will transition from a freeway to a boulevard. This transformation will introduce amenities such as a protected shared-use path that enhances connectivity between U.S. Highway 1 and Route 12. The boulevard is expected to be completed by 2030. Currently, work on Route 10 has reduced capacity to one lane in each direction from the I-95 ramps to Park Avenue.
In addition to these projects, the intersection at RI-10 and RI-12 is undergoing an upgrade to include safety features and implement complete streets elements, promoting safer navigation for all types of travelers. Meanwhile, an incident referred to as “Stumpgate” involved a contractor cutting down more trees than necessary, with scheduled replanting set between 2025 and 2027.
Traffic disruptions have already begun, with limited access to Eddy Street over I-95 as of July 28, necessitating a one-lane traffic pattern due to ongoing bridge work. This proximity to major travel routes is anticipated to affect local travel patterns as summer traffic peaks for beach outings and family gatherings.
Further comprehensive infrastructural improvements are evident in the Route 37 project, which will include the replacement of 22 bridges over three phases, targeting nearly half of the structures currently classified as being in poor condition. This project will also address the widening of highways and safety enhancements at the interchange of Route 37 and I-295.
Another major redesign involves Route 146 at Sayles Hill Road, where multiple bridge replacements and road repaving will aim to create a safer flow of traffic and reduce crash incidents. Meanwhile, School Street in Lincoln has been closed for necessary water and sewer line replacements along with repaving, scheduled to be completed by December 2025.
The Tower Hill Road Bridge in North Kingstown is set for replacement as well, with resurfacing work that will affect 6.5 miles of the surrounding area. Nighttime lane closures for this work are anticipated to begin from July onwards. Nearby, a new roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of Phillips Street, Boston Neck Road, and Brown Street.
Further enhancements include the construction of new ramps connecting Route 4 North to I-95 and vice-versa, identified as “the missing move.” Additionally, two bridges over I-95 and I-295 are scheduled for replacement starting in 2024, with a target for completion by 2027 at an estimated cost of $102.4 million.
Rhode Island’s ambitious infrastructure projects are bolstered by federal support, having secured over $220 million for the reconstruction of the Washington Bridge, where demolition of the old structure is already underway. Traffic is currently being routed over the eastbound side of the bridge, with the completion of this extensive project expected by November 2028. It promises not only modern repairs but a design life of 100 years for ongoing maintenance ease.
As these various projects progress, Rhode Islanders and visitors alike can anticipate significant changes to the state’s transportation landscape, enhancing safety, accessibility, and overall connectivity.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: RI Summer Beach Traffic
- Construction Dive: Walsh Rhode Island I-195 Rebuild
- Rhode Island Current: Washington Bridge Demolition Resumes
- Roads & Bridges: Rhode Island’s Washington Bridge Replacement
- Valley Breeze: Route 146 Flyover Project Progress
- Wikipedia: Rhode Island
- Google Search: Rhode Island construction projects
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island infrastructure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- Google News: Rhode Island traffic
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