March 8, 2024

Press Releases

RIPTA to Close Historic East Side Tunnel for Construction Beginning Monday, March 25, 2024

Routes 1, 32, 33, 34, 40 and 61x will be on detour

The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced today that the East Side Tunnel will be closed for repairs and renovations starting Monday, March 25, 2024. Construction is expected to last through mid-September. Routes 1, 32, 33, 34, 40 and 61x will be on detour beginning Monday, March 25, 2024, through mid-September to accommodate East Side Tunnel construction. The Tunnel will be closed for repairs during that time.

This critical piece of transit infrastructure was built in 1914 to help former trolley lines reach the top of College Hill as they traveled from downtown Providence to the East Side and beyond. The tunnel is still a vital connector today, allowing buses to avoid the steep incline of College Hill.

Click here to view a map of the temporary bus stops and to learn more about this project.

Starting Monday, March 25, 2024, the following detours will be in place:

Routes 32, 33, 34, 40 and 61x

Inbound trips will travel regular route to the intersection of Angell and Thayer Streets, continue onto Angell Street through to Steeple Street and then resume regular route. Passengers will utilize the bus stop on Angell Street at Hope Street. There will be no stops between Angell and Hope Streets and Kennedy Plaza.

Outbound trips will travel regular route to North Main Street via Washington Place, continue up the hill on Waterman Street and then resume regular route. At the bottom of the hill, passengers will board at a temporary stop on the traffic island on Washington Place. At the top of the hill, passengers will utilize the bus stop on Waterman Street at Hope Street.

Route 1

Inbound trips will travel regular route to Thayer Street, left onto Waterman Street, left onto Brook Street, left onto Angell Street, continue on Angell Street through to Steeple Street and then resume regular route. Passengers will utilize the bus stop on Thayer Street before Meeting Street. There will be no stops between Thayer and Meeting Streets and Kennedy Plaza.

Outbound trips will travel regular route to North Main Street via Washington Place, continue up the hill on Waterman Street, turn left onto Brook Street and then resume regular route. At the bottom of the hill, passengers will board at a temporary stop on the pedestrian island on Washington Place. At the top of the hill, passengers will utilize the bus stop on Brook Street after Angell Street.