The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) gathered 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. 

Rhode Island’s Renovated Tunnel

Following months of construction and restoration, the tunnel, which was set to reopen on October 31, 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.             

“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,” said Christopher Durand, interim CEO at RIPTA. “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.”               

Benefits of the Tunnel

The 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.  

Renovation Turnaround

Construction began in March 2024 and cost $25 million to complete with $903,000 in federal grant money secured by U.S. Sen. 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.