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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:
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.
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.
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Overnight demolition of the former on-ramp from Harris Avenue to Route 6 West will require a detour of northbound Harris Avenue traffic. Follow signed detour. Weekdays, the right lane on Route 10 South from Tobey Street to the 6/10 split is scheduled to close. Daytime work will include installing supports to allow us to work on the bridge beams on the new Harris Avenue Bridge, forming and pouring concrete parapets on the Route 6 Viaduct, and striping and signing to prepare for the opening of the on-ramp from Route 6 West to Route 10 South. |
Click here for the latest lane closure information |