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Federal and State Officials Join RIPTA and City of Providence in Celebrating the Reopening of the Historic East Side Tunnel Following Extensive Renovations
(L-R): Eric Papetti, Director of Planning and Program Development, Federal Transit Administration; House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi; Christopher Durand, RIPTA Interim Chief Executive Officer; U.S. Senator Jack Reed; U.S. Representative Gabe Amo; and City of Providence Mayor Brett Smiley
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) gathered today with members of the State’s Congressional delegation, the City of Providence and the Federal Transit Administration to announce the completion of renovations to the historic East Side Tunnel. Built in 1914 to support Providence’s former trolley system in climbing the steep 10% incline of streets in the College Hill neighborhood, the East Side Tunnel remains a critical piece of transit infrastructure, connecting downtown Providence with the East Side and beyond. Following months of construction and restoration, the tunnel will reopen on October 31, 2024, revitalized and ready to serve the next generation of Rhode Island transit riders.
The $25 million renovation project addressed several key areas, including drainage upgrades, enhanced lighting, and structural repairs inside the tunnel. As part of RIPTA’s commitment to improving the passenger experience under the Transit Forward RI 2040 plan, the 110-year-old bus shelter on North Main Street has been meticulously restored to its original architectural splendor, preserving its historical significance while modernizing its function.
“The East Side Tunnel is not just a vital transit corridor, but also a piece of our city’s history,” said Christopher Durand, RIPTA interim Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited to restore and enhance this important infrastructure while ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of Providence residents and visitors alike. RIPTA riders deserve comfortable, safe, and accessible amenities, and the restoration of the tunnel’s shelter is a major step toward providing them. We are grateful to our congressional delegation for securing the funds for these critical improvements.”
East Side TunnelThe tunnel remains a key part of the east-west transit corridor, offering bus-only access for six RIPTA routes, with over 250 trips passing through the nearly 2,000-foot-long structure daily. The renovations will ensure that the tunnel can continue to support RIPTA’s evolving service plans and infrastructure needs. Improvements were made with an eye toward placemaking and accessibility, including conceptual designs to enhance bus stops on both ends of the tunnel, better signage, modern lighting, and ADA-compliant facilities.
RIPTA worked with area neighborhood and business associations, historic preservation organizations, RISD, Brown University, and other neighbors and interested parties to ensure that the project honors the tunnel’s place in Providence’s history and community.
Construction began in March 2024 and cost $25M to complete with $903,000 in federal grant money secured by U.S. Senator Jack Reed. The U.S. Department of Transportation provided over $8 million toward the project. Maintaining and reinforcing bus infrastructure like the East Side Tunnel is necessary as RIPTA works to further expand and improve service to meet goals set in our Transit Forward RI 2040 plan.
The next phase of the tunnel project will involve the full design and construction of improved bus stops at Thayer Street, including modernized amenities and accessibility features. RIPTA’s Project Management team will continue to work closely with the City of Providence, RIDOT, and other key stakeholders throughout the process.
For more information on the East Side Tunnel project, please visit RIPTA.com/Tunnel.
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“The East Side Bus Tunnel is an important transit link for RIPTA riders, connecting downtown Providence with the East Side and points beyond. At more than 100 years old, it was clear the tunnel needed significant upgrades to continue to safely serve the public,” said Senator Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I was proud to help deliver key federal funds to advance these improvements so that the tunnel can continue to effectively and efficiently serve riders for years to come.”
“Some of my first memories as a RIPTA rider involved the bus taking the East Side Tunnel to get through Providence,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “I thank Senator Jack Reed for his leadership in securing the necessary funding as well as the Rhode Islanders who helped repair and restore this historic transit artery in our city.”
“Thank you to our federal delegation for once again delivering for Rhode Island! The East Side Bus Tunnel is a critical connector in Rhode Island’s capital city and was in dire need of upgrades,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. “I am very pleased that this historic piece of Rhode Island’s infrastructure is revitalized and reopening.”
"The East Side Transit Tunnel has been a vital connection for Providence's neighbors and visitors for more than a century, and I am thrilled to see it reopen," said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. "This investment provides a safer and more accessible transit experience for RIPTA riders while honoring the tunnel's history. I want to thank Senator Jack Reed for his unwavering leadership and commitment to securing the funding that made these critical repairs possible."
“We are pleased to see RIPTA leveraging FTA’s federal support to bring the East Side Bus Tunnel into a state of good repair,” said FTA Regional Administrator Peter Butler, whose agency provided $1.4 million to support the project through a bus grant. “These significant repairs will modernize the 110-year-old tunnel, allowing RIPTA to maintain safe and efficient bus service on critical routes for riders throughout the region.”
For more information on RIPTA services, passengers can call 401-781-9400 or visit RIPTA.com.
