Interstate 95 through Providence is the most congested highway in Rhode Island, and with more than 220,000 daily vehicle crossings, it is one of the most heavily travelled corridors on the East Coast. Originally constructed in 1946, the 1,295-foot-long northbound section was progressively deteriorating and unable to accommodate traffic needs, making the project a priority for RIDOT.
HNTB is serving RIDOT as lead designer on the design-build project aimed to reduce congestion and improve safety while offering a high-quality, resilient solution for the I-95 Northbound Viaduct project. The project includes demolition and reconstruction, along with the replacement of accessory ramp structures and approach bridges. HNTB is providing bridge, highway/civil and traffic design for the interchange, along with environmental, ITS, overhead catenary rail design, geotechnical, public outreach and utility services.
Improving safety for motorist is a priority. In addition to improved structural integrity, the new design reduces on/off ramp merging and weaving movements and introduces bridge and roadway widening for collector-distributor access at the north end of project limits.
The project will counter chronic congestion to benefit motorists using this stretch of I-95 to cross the Woonasquatucket River, Amtrak Northeast Corridor and city roads — increasing resiliency and improving safety well into the future.
Location: Providence, RI
Client: Rhode Island Department of Transportation