Rhode Island’s Summer Construction Season Launches Major Infrastructure Projects

News Summary

Rhode Island is set to undertake significant infrastructure improvements during the summer construction season, with a total investment of $779 million aimed at enhancing its transportation network. Key projects include the I-95 bridge replacements, transformation of Route 10 into a boulevard, and various safety upgrades. With completion expected by 2031, these initiatives will improve safety, reduce congestion, and increase connectivity throughout the state, impacting residents and visitors alike.

Rhode Island’s Summer Construction Season Launches Major Infrastructure Projects

Rhode Island is experiencing a robust summer construction season that promises to significantly overhaul its transportation infrastructure by 2031. A series of large-scale projects are underway across the state, impacting daily commutes, travel plans for beachgoers, and regional connectivity.

Key Projects and Timeline

The comprehensive infrastructure upgrades, with a total budget of approximately $779 million, began in 2024 and are expected to conclude by 2031. These projects aim to improve safety, reduce congestion, and modernize the state’s transportation network.

The I-95 15 Bridge Replacement Initiative

One of the major undertakings is the I-95 15 project, which involves replacing 15 bridges along the interstate in Providence and Cranston. Notably, this effort is distinct from the downtown Providence viaduct project. The bridge replacements are critical to maintaining the structural integrity of I-95 and ensuring safe travel for thousands daily.

Transformation of Route 10

In addition to bridge work, Route 10 is slated for a major transformation from a highway into a more urban-friendly boulevard. This project will feature amenities such as a shared-use path connecting U.S. Highway 1 and Route 12. The redesign will enhance access to local resources including Roger Williams Park, the Zoo, and the Botanical Center, promoting better mobility and community integration. The boulevard is scheduled for completion by 2030, with current work reducing Route 10 to single lanes in each direction between I-95 ramps and Park Avenue.

Safety and congestion improvements

In response to recent incidents, efforts are underway to upgrade the intersection at RI-10 and RI-12 to an at-grade configuration with added safety features and complete streets elements. Furthermore, the I-95 viaduct—measuring approximately 1,295 feet—is being redesigned to separate northbound traffic from Route 146 access, aiming to reduce congestion in the area.

Bridges and roadway upgrades

Significant bridge replacements are ongoing, including the West River Street Bridge in Providence. While current status updates are unavailable, the project forms part of a broader plan to replace nearly half of the bridges classified as being in poor condition on Route 37, which will be addressed over three phases with 22 bridge replacements.

In addition, Route 146 is undergoing a full redesign at Sayles Hill Road to improve traffic flow and reduce crash incidents. This includes substantial bridge replacements and the repaving of 8 miles of roadway. The project aims to enhance safety and traffic efficiency across the corridor.

Other notable projects

• School Street in Lincoln will remain closed from May 2023 through December 2025 for water and sewer line replacements and paving.
• The Tower Hill Road bridge in North Kingstown is being replaced, with resurfacing work affecting a 6.5-mile stretch and nighttime lane closures starting in July.
• New traffic management measures include constructing roundabouts on Phillips Street, Boston Neck Road, and Brown Street, as well as creating new ramps at Route 4 North to I-95 to facilitate smoother connections, often referred to as “the missing move.”
• Two bridges over I-95 and I-295 are scheduled for replacement beginning in 2024, with an estimated cost of $102.4 million and completion expected by 2027.

Washington Bridge Reconstruction

In a major project affecting Providence, the Washington Bridge is undergoing a comprehensive rebuild. The U.S. federal government has allocated over $220 million toward this effort, with incentives of up to $10 million available for early completion of new lanes. The construction, managed by Walsh Construction Co., has begun with demolitions of the old bridge now underway. Traffic is currently diverted over the eastbound side of the structure, with the project expected to finish by November 2028.

Future Outlook

These initiatives are poised to enhance Rhode Island’s transportation infrastructure significantly, with projects designed to last for decades and promote safety, reliability, and regional connectivity. The comprehensive approach addresses bridges, highways, intersections, and related infrastructure, ultimately transforming Rhode Island’s transportation landscape over the coming years.

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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