195 Relocation: Background

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I-195 Relocation
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Interstate-195 Relocation: Background

The relocation of Interstate 195 was first seriously discussed in 1984. The issue was on the back burner until the early 1990s, when it was decided that the relocation could become an integral part of Providence’s renaissance. Now, twenty years later, all funding is secured and construction has begun. The 1.5 mile relocation involves moving route 195 outside (south) of the hurricane barrier, reducing the number of on- and off-ramps, and building a new interchange between 195 and 95. New bridges will also have to be built, the biggest and most expensive being the Washington Bridge that connects Providence to East Providence. Rhode Island Department of Transportation officials have officially designated this as a separate project from the 195 relocation, and so the 195 relocation cost estimates do not take this into account.

The Providence section of I-195 was built in the late 1950s. The highway is made up of seventeen different bridges in Providence that follow a winding path made up of tight curves and dangerous “weaves,” which are exits that force drivers to quickly move across multiple lanes of traffic. From an engineering perspective, one of the primary motivations for this relocation is to remove these weaves, which will lead to increased safety and better traffic flow. With approximately 180,000 vehicles using the highway everyday, increased vehicular movement will result in reduced pollution and less time wasted in traffic for millions of drivers each year. Traffic flow will also be improved by reducing the number of on- and off-ramps, and by increasing the number of lanes from six to eight. Parts of the highway and many of the bridges are also in dire need of replacement because of their age.

From a planning and economic development perspective, the 195 relocation will provide many important benefits. Most of these benefits are a result of the 20-33 acres of land adjacent to downtown Providence and on the waterfront that will be freed for parks and private development. The removal of 195 from this prime area will correct a mistake made fifty years ago when highway engineers sent the highway right through the heart of the city.

The city will also benefit by reconnecting the historic Jewelry District with downtown. Unfortunately, city planners and economic development officials will need to figure out a way to reduce the sea of asphalt parking lots in the area if private development is to take off.

The entire project is currently estimated to cost approximately $446 million and is planned to be completed in 2012.