The Iway: Relocating I-195 in Providence

The I-195 Relocation Project, known as the Iway, is the largest project RIDOT has built since the construction of the Interstate system. It is a transformative project - quite literally chaning the landscape in Providence - addressing a wide range of issues including safety, replacing aging infrastructure, lessening traffic congestion and bolstering economic development.

The Iway is now nearing completion. All new roads, bridges and ramps are scheduled to be in use by the end of 2010. The old infrastructure will be demolished and the land ready for reuse by the end of 2012.

Learning About the Iway - Start Here

RIDOT podcasts tell the Iway story

To really get an understanding of what the Iway proejct is, RIDOT has created a series of 12 podcasts, six in English and six in Spanish, using video footage shot during construction.

Access the podcasts here

What is a podcast?

Early drive-through animations

Major traffic pattern changes

The opening of the Iway took place over many months with numerous changes for motorists to become accustomed to. Major milestones included:

• I-95 North to I-195 East: November 2007
• I-95 South to I-195 East: December 2008
• I-195 West to I-95 South: June 2009
• I-195 West to I-95 North: October 2009

The following links list recent openings as they occured:

Overview of all Iway changes - Fall 2010

New East Franklin Street extension

Opening of new on-ramp from Point Street to I-95 South

Opening of new Exit 19 from I-95 South to the Hospitals Complex

Pine & Friendship Streets traffic pattern changes

Clifford Street Bridge and new traffic pattern

On-ramp from Point Street to I-95 North

Traffic pattern change near R.I. Hospital

The Iway and access to the R.I. Hospital campus

Maps, including directions showing the best routes to and from the Hospital Campus:

• Inbound Routes
• Outbound Routes

The Iway in Words & Pictures

Iway Public Walk Brochure

Latest update map on the project progress

Winning design selected by the City of Providence for a new pedestrian bridge on the footings of the old Providence River Bridge

Slideshow of recent Iway construction

Watch a video of the "gold wrecking ball" event that kicked off demolition of the old I-195

Early slide show overview of the Iway

Let your child explore the Iway

RIDOT helped create an exhibit at the Providence Children's Museum about solving problems, engineering and construction, and the new Iway. The kids can crank a crane and lift I-beams to construct a highway bridge, tackle bridge building challenges, redesign the city and find out about the Iway. The Museum’s Iway exhibit takes advantage of the I-195 relocation project, one of the biggest highway projects in the state’s history, to engage kids (and grown-ups) in an investigation of roadways and bridges.

 

Color of the new Providence River Bridge