R.I. Government Agencies | Privacy Policy |
Background information on the the Iway (I-195 Relocation) project.
Why is it called the Iway? (I-195 Relocation) project.
Latest project overview map (pdf)
Motorists traveling I-195 West will find a new split for I-95 North and South. This replaces the temporary split near the Washington Bridge, and provides direct access to I-95 North via the Iway. With this change, all highway traffic will be using the Iway and old I-195 will be permanently closed.
There will be four lanes of traffic leading up to the split, two left lanes for I-95 South and two right lanes for I-95 North. The center right lane allows access to either direction on I-95. The highway leading to I-95 North also provides access to new Exit 1A, which leads to Point Street.
Motorists should expect improved travel conditions, especially during peak commuting periods. Still, with any change in highway configuration, congestion may result as motorists slow down or change lanes at the new split. RIDOT has provided a number of maps listed below that detail the new highway and its impact on exits and on-ramps.
The change also will allow expanded use of the Gano Street on-ramp to I-195 West. When RIDOT opened the Iway from I-195 West to I-95 South in June, the location of the new split limited the use of the Gano Street on-ramp to I-95 North only. Now, motorists will be able to use this ramp for I-95 North or South.
Since old I-195 will be closed, motorists will no longer be able to use the Wickenden Street or Dorrance Street/Dyer Avenue on-ramps to reach I-195. RIDOT will be expanding access to I-95 North and South at Point Street by late 2010. Until then, see RIDOT's suggested detour maps below and review RIDOT's suggested rush hour strategies for finding new routes to and from the highway.
RIDOT will maintain access to the old highway for Exit 2 (South Main Street), however that exit location will shift in 2010.
Keep in mind that online mapping programs and GPS systems will not reflect these changes.
Click here for press release detailing these changes
Video produced by the Providence Journal showing the changes
| Two Left Lanes | Center Right Lane | Two Right Lanes |
| To I-95 South | To I-95 North or South | To I-95 North |
Hospitals Complex via Exit 18 |
I-95 South to Hospitals Complex via Exit 18 | Exit 1A (Point St.) |
| Future ramp: R.I. Hospitals Complex via Exit 1B |
| Exit/Ramp | Change |
| Exit 3 (Gano Street) | Right-hand exit remains as-is |
On-ramp from Gano Street to I-195 West |
Access to I-95 North and South via the Iway |
| Exit 2 (South Main Street) | Access remains via a section of old-195 |
| On-ramp from Wickenden Street to I-195 West | Closed permanently |
| On-ramp from Dorrance Street/Dyer Avenue to I-195 West | Closed permanently |
| Exit 1A from I-195 West | New exit to Point Street |
Rush Hour Strategies - Outbound
I used to get on... Toward... What do I do? I-195 West at the Wickenden Street on-ramp I-95 North Head east on Wickenden Street to Gano Street and use ramp to I-195 West or follow South Main Street to Steeple Street to Memorial Boulevard and use ramp to I-95 North near Providence Place Mall. I-195 West at the Wickenden Street on-ramp
I-95 South Head east on Wickenden Street to Gano Street and use ramp to I-195 West or cross over the Point Street Bridge and turn left onto Eddy Street, then turn left onto Allens Avenue. Turn right onto Blackstone Street and use temporary on-ramp to I-95 South. I-195 West at the Dorrance Street/Dyer Avenue on-ramp
I-95 North Use Memorial Boulevard to ramp for I-95 North near Providence Place Mall or seek routes to Service Road No. 8 and use on-ramp to I-95 North at Atwells Ave. I-195 West at the Dorrance Street/Dyer Avenue on-ramp I-95 South Continue past on-ramp onto Eddy Street. Follow through Davol Square, then turn left onto Allens Avenue. Turn right onto Blackstone Street and use temporary on-ramp to I-95 South. I-195 West at either the Wickenden Street or Dorrance Street/Dyer Avenue on-ramps I-95 South to the Hospital Complex At Davol Square, turn left onto Eddy Street and follow signs to the hospitals area or follow Point Street west over I-95 to Plain Street.
Coming from Downcity, the Jewelry District or the Courthouse area?
Ramps and exits close to old I-195 afforded quick highway access when leaving the city. The relocation of I-195 means that many of the exits and on-ramps will be closed or new exits will be open to provide alternate access. During this phase of the Iway project, those in the Downcity, Jewelry District or Courthouse areas have two options. They can use Memorial Boulevard to the highway interchange next to Providence Place Mall. Additionally, they can also follow Eddy Street south to Allens Avenue and turn right onto Blackstone Street to access a temporary on-ramp to I-95 South. Detouring traffic will result in more traffic in the Davol Square area.
Coming from College Hill, the East Side or Fox Point?
Those leaving the East Side for I-95 South will no longer be able to use the Wickenden Street on-ramp since old I-195 will be closed. Motorists should use the Gano Street on-ramp or 1) Cross over the Point Street Bridge and turn left at Davol Square onto Eddy Street. Follow Eddy Street south to Allens Avenue and turn right onto Blackstone Street to access a temporary on-ramp to I-95 South; 2) Use Steeple Street or College Street to reach Memorial Boulevard, which leads to a highway interchange next to Providence Place Mall.