The Route 6/10 Interchange Reconstruction project is reconstructing the entire interchange within the existing highway right of way, while replacing or removing the seven structurally deficient bridges within the project area. The project highlights include:
| Complete Phase 2 of the Hartford Avenue and Plainfield Street bridges over Route 6, which involves replacing the northern half of these structures. Completion of both bridges is anticipated in Fall 2020. |
| Broadway Bridge utility installation finishing. Construction along the north side will continue. |
| Westminster Street Bridge Phase 1-2 continues (north side). Utility installation will be completed in early spring and the next phase of steel will be installed. |
| The closure and demolition of the Tobey Street Bridge begins in the winter and will continue into spring. |
| Construction ongoing on Huntington Viaduct, Viaduct Ramps: Route 6/10 to Route 6 WB and Route 6 EB to Route 6/10. |
| Construction ongoing on new flyover ramp for Route 10NB to Route 6 WB with work on the abutments and piers. |
The Route 6/10 Reconstruction Design-Build Project is the largest Design-Build Project in Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) history. The 6/10 interchange is located just west of downtown Providence in an area of Providence known as Olneyville It serves as a critical east-west regional link for automobile and truck traffic between Interstates 295, 95 and 195. Nearly 100,000 trips are made through the interchange each day with two thirds of those trips originating or destined for points outside of Providence.
The Route 6/10 interchange fell into a state of disrepair with seven of its nine bridge structures rated structurally deficient. In addition to replacing the bridges and ramps of the interchange itself, this project will address existing bridges serving local streets that are integrated into the interchange due to their proximity and grades. All will be brought into a state of good repair. The project also includes construction of a "missing move" from Route 10 North to Route 6 West. The creation of this missing move will serve to reduce or eliminate through traffic from the streets of Olneyville, thereby improving pedestrian safety in the community.
The existing system of highways and ramps comprising the interchange was originally constructed in the 1950s as a bypass around Olneyville, which at the time was a distinct urban center. Due to steady growth in automobile traffic and increase reliance on heavy trucking for freight, many elements of the interchange failed to meet emerging highway safety and serviceability standards. The problem became worse as additional regional highway connections were made with Route 10 and Route 6 (former RI-195) in the 1960s and 1970s. Most all of the now functionally obsolete elements of the interchange (including insufficient merging lengths and curve radii, unusual and substandard on- and off-ramp configurations, and other deficiencies) persist to this day.
In recent years many of the structural elements of the interchange have fallen further into disrepair, requiring extensive shoring, bracing and other interim support measures in order to meet safety and load requirements for the facility to remain in service. Just prior to the start of construction, RIDOT had to spend $5-million in repairs to the temporary shoring and bracing erected several years ago as a bandage to the problem.
| 6-10 Illustrative Plan |
| Broadway Ramp Closure |
| Route 10 North Shift |
| Westminster Street Traffic Pattern |
| Broadway Traffic Pattern |
| Route 6-10 Lane Split Change |
| Tobey Street On-Ramp Closure |
Commuter rail service is a great alternative for commuters from Warwick and South County who normally drive through the interchange. RIPTA bus service offers several options too for an easier commute.
