Providence is moving forward with an exciting initiative to enhance urban mobility and safety. In 2023, the City was awarded a “Safe Streets for All” grant aimed at designing and constructing over three miles of Urban Trails. This project will create critical last-mile connections across the city’s 25 neighborhoods, linking residential areas to employment and cultural centers while significantly reducing fatal and serious crashes for vulnerable road users.

The Urban Trails project will feature a combination of on-road and road-adjacent protected bicycle lanes, shared-use trails, and neighborhood greenways on low-volume streets, alongside off-road shared-use paths. Key elements of the project include:

  • Broadway: Converting existing bike lanes to a protected urban trail.
  • South Water Street: Elevating the existing urban trail to sidewalk level.
  • Fountain Street: Transitioning a one-way protected bike lane into a two-way protected urban trail, extending to Biltmore Park and Broadway.
  • Olneyville Square: Implementing intersection circulation and safety improvements, with new urban trail connections.
  • Washington Secondary Trail: Establishing a new protected urban trail connecting Providence’s urban trail network with Cranston.
  • Intersection of Eagle St, Atwells Ave, and Harris St: Enhancing safety and evaluating traffic efficiency.

Additionally, existing urban trails on Broad Street, West Franklin Street, and Chestnut Street will receive upgraded buffers with lower-maintenance materials based on lessons learned from previous installations.

Olneyville Square Meeting – October 23

Join the WRWC at the public meeting on October 23, 2024, from 6-7:45 PM at the Olneyville Community Library, focusing on the improvements at Olneyville Square. This meeting will discuss the connection of the Woonasquatucket Greenway to the Washington Secondary Trail and the Broadway Bike Paths.

By enhancing these connections, the project aims to create a seamless network for cyclists and pedestrians, improving access to local amenities and fostering safe transportation options for all residents. This integration will not only boost recreational opportunities but also promote active transportation, contributing to a healthier community.

Public Engagement and Timeline

The project kicked off in summer 2024 and is set for completion by summer 2028. City staff will engage with local communities early in the process to gather feedback and priorities to inform the design. Here’s a timeline for upcoming public meetings:

  • October 9, 2024, 6-8 PM: Public meeting at Bell Street Chapel, focusing on Broadway.
  • October 15, 2024, 6-8 PM: Meeting at the Play Space at Children’s Friend, focusing on the Washington Secondary Trail Connection.
  • October 23, 2024, 6-7:45 PM: Meeting at Olneyville Community Library, focusing on Olneyville Square and connecting the Woonasquatucket Greenway to the Washington Secondary and Broadway Bike Paths.
  • October 29, 2024, 6-8 PM: Meeting at the Doorley Municipal Building, focusing on South Water Street.
  • Fall 2024: Launch of online interactive engagement.
  • Early 2025: Completion of the updated Great Streets Plan (Safety Action Plan).
  • Spring 2025: Second round of public meetings.
  • Summer-Fall 2025: Construction on South Water Street.
  • Fall 2025 – Early 2026: Additional public meetings.

For more information about the project, reach out to Ian Cullings at 401-680-8578 or Alex Ellis at 401-680-8522, or email ss4a@providenceri.gov. Stay tuned for updates as this important initiative progresses toward making Providence streets safer for everyone!