Project Enhances Connectivity and Urban Recreation from Downtown to Valley, Smith Hill, Olneyville Neighborhoods
PROVIDENCE, RI– Mayor Brett P. Smiley and the City of Providence Planning and Development Department, in partnership with the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, today announced the upcoming start of the Woonasquatucket River Greenway Improvement Project, a climate-friendly infrastructure investment that will enhance a one-mile stretch of the Woonasquatucket River Greenway. The project spans from Downtown Providence to Eagle Square, revitalizing the City’s urban landscape, fostering sustainable growth, and ensuring equitable access to recreational and transportation resources.
“The Woonasquatucket River Greenway Improvement Project is a testament to Providence’s vision of a greener, more connected future,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “By strengthening our stormwater management, economic prospects, and recreational amenities, this initiative will shape a more vibrant and resilient urban landscape for all residents, businesses, and visitors to enjoy.”
The Woonasquatucket River Greenway Improvement Project establishes an off-road, shared-use path that connects Downtown Providence behind the Providence Place Mall to Eagle Square in Olneyville, while improving the Greenway’s urban/natural river interface. The development will bolster public recreational and transportation opportunities along the riverfront, reinforce stormwater management efforts, catalyze economic development, and forge stronger connections between Downtown and the Smith Hill, Valley, and Olneyville neighborhoods.
Alicia Lehrer, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council’s (WRWC) Executive Director, added, “The WRWC is thrilled that the Promenade/Kinsley Greenway enhancements are ready for construction. It has been a priority for almost 20 years because it is the missing link in creating a safe, active transportation route and strong connection between so many neighborhoods and downtown Providence. It also strengthens and celebrates one of the only wildlife corridors through Providence while helping to clean the river. This could not have happened without WRWC’s wonderful partnership with the City’s great planning staff. Starting in 2016, together we developed the project, secured funding, and included all Greenway neighbors and partners in planning. We couldn’t be happier this day is finally here.”
The project includes:
· Improvements to the existing Woonasquatucket River Greenway from Providence Place Mall to Eagle Square
· A separated shared use path along Kinsley Avenue and Promenade Street
· Curb separated from street with green infrastructure and mountable truck aprons, which were designed in consultation with area businesses
· New street trees and bioswales to reduce flooding, treat water flowing into Woonasquatucket River, and provide native habitat along the riverbank
· Road diet along Kinsley Avenue to reduce speeding
· Current design includes the conversion of Kinsley Avenue to a one-way in the eastbound direction.
Jesse Rye, Executive Director of Farm Fresh Rhode Island (FFRI) also shared that “Farm Fresh Rhode Island is excited to see the construction on the Greenway commence. We completed construction of our building on the corner of Sims and Kinsley in 2020 and have been proud to call this part of the city our new home. The thousands of people who visit our building each week for markets, events and to shop at the local businesses here will soon have a much-improved experience. This project will make our neighborhood more pedestrian and bike friendly, will showcase our proximity to the river and increase this corridor as a vital connector between many parts of the city.”
The project is anticipated to commence construction in Spring 2024. To keep the community informed and engaged with updates on the project’s timeline and key milestones, the Department of Planning and Development will continue outreach efforts that began in 2019 and will host a series of informational meetings this winter.
The project is funded by numerous partners, including a commitment of nearly $6 million in funding from the State Transportation Improvement Program. Other funding sources include the City of Providence Capital Improvement Program, RI DEM Climate Resilience Fund, RI DEM Boating Access Grant, and the EPA’s Southeast New England Program (SNEP).