Proposed changes to the Washington Bridge, which carries Interstate 195 over the Seekonk River, could alter development in East Providence and traffic on the East Side of Providence.
The bridge, one of the most heavily traveled in Rhode Island, is the subject of ongoing reconstruction work. Now the R.I. Department of Transportation is seeking a $25 million federal grant to cover part of a $70 million reconfiguration of the access and exits from the bridge.
The proposed traffic pattern would involve the permanent closure of the Gano Street exit from westbound I-195, while adding a new exit from the highway on to Waterfront Drive in East Providence. That would open up that waterfront area for future development, while connecting Providence-bound traffic to the Henderson Bridge.
The grant request to the U.S. Department of Transportation cites as justification for closing the Gano off-ramp the backups on I-195 created by motorists weaving through lanes to reach the exit. The state also cited the potential for economic development on both sides of the bridge. Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza supports the project.
On the East Side, which has had a temporary closure of the Gano Street neighborhood entrance for the past year, the argument of improved traffic on the bridge is greeted by many residents with skepticism.
“The premise is that this relieves traffic somehow. I don’t buy that. More exits are better than fewer exits,” said Nick Cicchitelli, a board member of the Fox Point Neighborhood Association. He added many residents were startled to learn that the closure of the Gano exit would become permanent.
The association is expected to discuss the bridge project Sept. 9, he said.
The bridge itself is critically important to Rhode Island business and travelers. It is effectively the most heavily traveled east-west route connecting Providence to the rest of southern New England and is the access for most travelers heading to Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts.
On the East Side, where business is centered in areas such as Wickenden Street in Fox Point and on Angell Street in Wayland Square, several owners are still trying to assess how the permanent closure of the Gano exit could affect them.
Wayland Square has seen a reduction in traffic since the Gano exit closed, said Jessica Leach, president of the Wayland Square Merchants Association. Three businesses have closed since then.
She and her husband own Opt Eyewear Boutique. Since the closure, she’s had fewer customers coming from southeastern Massachusetts.
“Businesses will close without the exit,” she said, adding owners want to meet with state transportation officials.
RIDOT says it has worked closely with both communities on the project and will hold local information meetings in the fall.
Mary MacDonald is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Macdonald@PBN.com.
Keep the existing Gano Street exit and open the new exit that will direct traffic to the East Side via the Henderson Bridge.