New Pedestrian Bridge Opens Across Providence River

PROVIDENCE, RI — It's now much quicker to get from one side of the Providence River to the other. On Friday, Governor Gina Raimondo, Senator Jack Reed, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and others gathered to cut the ribbon on the new Providence River Pedestrian Bridge, officially opening it to the public.

"The Providence River Pedestrian Bridge is an important new landmark for Providence and for our state," Raimondo said. "By connecting Providence’s historic East Side and its growing Innovation District, we are strengthening the fabric of this city. This bridge will help ensure that both neighborhoods continue to be attractive places to live, work, and visit for years to come."

Inform Studios won a citywide competition for the bridge when their proposal was selected in 2011. Construction began in 2016 and was completed this summer.

"The old 195 bridge split the city and this new bridge brings it together to create a destination and a connection. This bridge will also serve as an architectural symbol for our creative capital. There is a lot more work that needs to be done to improve bridges across Rhode Island and I will continue doing everything I can at the federal level to assist the state," Senator Reed said.

The bridge was built on the foundations of the former Providence River highway bridge but is designed for pedestrians and features long-lasting hardwood decks and railings. A lower-level terrace boasts seating areas, decorative lighting and planters.

"Our residents enjoy a quality of life and space that make Providence one of the best mid-sized cities in the country to live, work and visit," Mayor Elorza said. "The Providence River Bridge will better connect residents and businesses to our growing Design and Tech Innovation District being developed on the former I-195 highway land and to the neighborhoods around our vibrant downtown while serving as a regional attraction for all who wish to explore the Creative Capital."

Parks are in the works on either end of the bridge, set to open later this year. A portion of each are open to pedestrians and cyclists, to allow access to the new bridge.

At either end of the bridge is a system of parks RIDOT is building under a separate project that will open later this year. A segment of the parks is currently open to allow pedestrians and cyclists to use make use of the bridge.

The bridge cost $21.9 million to build, while the parks will cost and additional $9.2 million, funded by the sale of the I-195 corridor lands to the I-195 Redevelopment Commission.

The bridge, built by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, is now under the ownership of the City of Providence. A memorandum of understanding was signed before the opening. The city will now be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of both the bridge and adjoining parks.