East Providence residents will see the on‑ramp from North Broadway to the Henderson Expressway closed Friday night, Nov. 13, according to a travel advisory issued Wednesday by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT). The ramp, which feeds traffic toward the Henderson Bridge linking East Providence and Providence, is being decommissioned as part of a larger $39.9 million project to rebuild the expressway into a boulevard‑style city roadway.
RIDOT’s advisory outlines two detour routes. Drivers heading north on North Broadway toward Rumford should continue past the closed ramp about a quarter mile to the next traffic signal, then turn left onto Massasoit Avenue and follow it to the roundabout at the Henderson Bridge. Those traveling south toward Waterman Avenue and Taunton Avenue should also pass the closed ramp, stay right toward Waterman Avenue, and merge onto Massasoit Avenue. A detour map is available at www.ridot.net/DetourMaps.
The project stems from RIDID’s plan to transform the Henderson Expressway, originally built as a segment of a never‑completed limited‑access highway, into a more pedestrian‑friendly boulevard. Work includes demolishing the North Broadway Bridge over the ramp, removing the ramp’s traffic signals, and installing a roundabout to reconnect North Broadway to the expressway toward the bridge. Additional improvements cover new sidewalks, landscaping, two overlooks on the Henderson Bridge, and a rebuilt intersection at Waterman Avenue with dedicated left‑turn lanes.
Funding for the overhaul comes from a $25 million federal RAISE grant announced in June 2024, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s effort to support local road and transit projects. While the grant was secured before the current administration, the continued federal investment underscores a national commitment to modernizing critical infrastructure, a priority that aligns with President Trump’s focus on rebuilding America’s roads and bridges.
The construction schedule spans two full seasons. Paving is slated for completion by fall 2027, with the entire project expected to finish by spring 2029, though RIDOT cautions that timelines may shift. Earlier phases of the project, including the replacement Henderson Bridge, opened in November 2023.
In April, the Federal Highway Administration halted a bike‑and‑pedestrian component of the original grant, prompting RIDOT to revise the scope to prioritize vehicle improvements and reallocate funds to paving Pawtucket Avenue. RIDOT spokesperson Charles St. Martin said the changes were discussed with the FHWA to keep the grant moving forward. East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva called the federal directive “disappointing,” but affirmed that the remaining elements remain on track.
Residents with questions can contact RIDOT Constituent Services at 401‑222‑2450 or email [email protected]. The East Providence Mayor’s Office is reachable at (401) 435‑7521.
What’s next: The ramp closure begins Friday night, Nov. 13. Drivers should follow the posted detours via Massasoit Avenue until the project’s final phases are completed, with full project completion anticipated by spring 2029.
Sources: upriseri.com
