Providence Road Closures For Governors' Conference: State Police

PROVIDENCE, RI —The Governors' Conference comes to Providence on Thursday. The Rhode Island State Police and Providence Police Department say motorists should expect some road closures, lane restrictions and detours in downtown Providence later this week as the city hosts the National Governors Association Summer Meeting from July 13, through Sunday, July 16.

Business meetings will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center. But other events and social gatherings are scheduled in Providence and Newport. Additional state and local police have been assigned to provide security and assist with traffic throughout the conference and at various venues.

Road closures and lane restrictions include:

• Wednesday noon through Sunday noon: West Exchange Street, between Sabin Street and the Service Road, will be closed to traffic during the conference at the Convention Center.
• Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m.: Mathewson Street will be closed from Fountain Street to Weybosset Street during an event at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
• Friday 4 to 10 p.m.: Memorial Boulevard, from Exchange Street to Francis Street; Francis Street, from Memorial Boulevard to Hayes Street; Hayes Street to Smith Street; and Gaspee Street, from Francis Street to Smith Street, will have lane restrictions during an event at the State House, followed by a special presentation of WaterFire.

Other temporary road closures and lane restrictions will be in effect at various times and locations, depending on events. (No road closures are expected during an event in Newport on Saturday, July 15.)

People who live and work in Providence should expect increased traffic, but otherwise should not be impacted by the event. The Convention Center will be closed to the general public all four days, with increased security in and around the building. Any protesters will be directed to Mathewson Street at Sabin Street.