News Summary
Rhode Island is investing approximately $779 million into a comprehensive infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving safety and traffic flow. Key projects include the extensive I-95 15 bridge replacement initiative, the conversion of Route 10 into a boulevard, and the replacement of 22 aging bridges. These enhancements are expected to provide better connectivity across the state, reduce congestion, and support economic growth. With completion timelines extending through 2031, the projects will fundamentally enhance transportation throughout the region.
Rhode Island’s Summer Construction Season to Overhaul Road Infrastructure by 2031
Rhode Island is currently undergoing an extensive period of road construction and infrastructure upgrades that are set to significantly impact transportation across the state from 2024 through 2031. With a total investment of approximately $779 million, these projects aim to improve safety, traffic flow, and access to key areas, including popular recreational sites, urban centers, and interstate routes.
Major Road Projects on the Horizon
Among the most notable initiatives is the I-95 15 project, which involves replacing 15 bridges over I-95 in the cities of Providence and Cranston. This extensive work is part of a series of efforts to modernize the highway and enhance its structural integrity, separate northbound traffic from Route 146 access, and reduce congestion on one of the state’s busiest corridors. This segment involves redesigning the I-95 viaduct, which stretches 1,295 feet, to improve traffic separation and safety.
The transformation of Route 10 is another critical component. The current freeway will be converted into a boulevard with added amenities and a shared-use path connecting U.S. Highway 1 and Route 12. This project, expected to be finished by 2030, intends to boost connectivity between Cranston and Providence, providing easier access to local attractions such as Roger Williams Park, the Zoo, and Botanical Center. Currently, work has reduced Route 10 to a single lane in each direction from I-95 ramps to Park Avenue.
Bridge Replacements and Safety Improvements
A significant portion of the work involves replacing aging bridges. The Route 37 project will see 22 bridges replaced across three phases, directly addressing nearly half of the bridges in poor condition. Additionally, the West River Street Bridge in Providence is being replaced; however, no current updates are available regarding its status.
Another bridge replacement involves the Tower Hill Road in North Kingstown, which includes resurfacing work over a 6.5-mile stretch of road. Nighttime lane closures are anticipated from July onwards. Furthermore, two bridges over I-95 and I-295 are slated for replacement between 2024 and 2027 at an estimated cost of $102.4 million.
Road Modernization and Traffic Optimization
Key safety and modernization initiatives include the redesign of Route 146 at Sayles Hill Road. This project aims to create a safer traffic flow, reduce accidents, and involve the replacement of multiple bridges along with approximately 8 miles of road repaving. Additionally, the intersection of RI-10 and RI-12 will be upgraded to an at-grade intersection, incorporating safety features and complete streets elements to facilitate safer crossings and better traffic management.
Plans also include constructing roundabouts at Phillips Street, Boston Neck Road, and Brown Street. These improvements will be complemented by new on-ramps connecting Route 4 North to I-95 and vice versa, known as “the missing move”, which is expected to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in key areas.
Other Notable Projects and Temporary Impacts
The School Street in Lincoln remains closed for water and sewer line replacements along with repaving, with work scheduled from May 2023 into December 2025. In North Kingstown, the Tower Hill Road bridge replacement involves resurfacing work affecting 6.5 miles of roadway, with lane closures occurring at night from July onward.
External to bridge work, a significant federal funding boost of over $220 million has been secured to support the Washington Bridge reconstruction. The current project, undertaken by Walsh Construction Co., involves demolishing the old bridge and constructing a new, modern structure at an estimated cost of $339 million. Incentives of up to $10 million are available to encourage early completion. The new Washington Bridge is expected to be operational by November 2028, designed to offer a lifespan of 100 years and easier maintenance.
Conclusion
These ongoing and upcoming projects mark a comprehensive effort to overhaul Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure over the next several years. While construction activities may temporarily disrupt daily travel, these initiatives aim to improve overall safety, reduce congestion, and provide better connectivity for residents and visitors alike.
With targeted completion dates through 2031, Rhode Island’s road network is poised for a significant transformation that will support economic growth, enable safer travel, and enhance access to major recreational and commercial hubs across the state.
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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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