Major Highways & Driving Tips in Providence, United States
1. I-95 North-South Major Highway
The primary north-south artery through Providence connecting Boston and Hartford. It's crucial for interstate travel.
- High Traffic Volume: Expect heavy traffic during rush hours
- Toll Road: Tolls are required at certain points along the highway
- Rest Areas: Limited rest areas and service stations available along I-95
2. Route 6 (Pawtucket Avenue)
A major east-west thoroughfare connecting Providence with the neighboring city of Pawtucket. It offers a variety of shops and restaurants.
- Local Businesses: Numerous local businesses line Route 6
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during the day, especially on weekends
- Public Transportation Integration: Providence's bus system provides connections to key destinations along Route 6
3. I-195 Expressway
An east-west bypass route around downtown Providence, easing traffic congestion in the city center.
- Alternative Route: I-195 offers an alternative route for drivers to avoid downtown Providence
- Limited Exits: Fewer exits compared to other major highways in the area
- Construction Zones: Occasional construction zones may cause delays
4. Route 10 (Broad Street)
A major north-south artery that runs through the heart of Providence. It provides easy access to downtown attractions.
- Downtown Attractions: Offers easy access to Rhode Island State House, Providence Place Mall, and Brown University
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during the day, especially on weekdays
- On-Street Parking: Limited on-street parking is available along Route 10
5. I-295 North-South Connector
The primary east-west highway connecting Providence to Warwick and Newport. It offers scenic views of Narragansett Bay.
- Scenic Views: Provides scenic views of Narragansett Bay along the route
- Toll Road: Tolls are required at certain points along I-295
- Rest Areas: Limited rest areas and service stations available along I-295
6. Route 4 North-South Connector
A major north-south route connecting Providence with Warwick and Cranston. It offers easy access to shopping centers.
- Shopping Centers: Provides easy access to Rhode Island Mall, Warwick Mall, and other shopping destinations
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during the day, especially on weekdays
- On-Street Parking: Limited on-street parking is available along Route 4
7. Route 146 East-West Connector
A major east-west route connecting Providence with Lincoln and Woonsocket. It offers easy access to the Blackstone Valley National Historic Park.
- Historical Attractions: Provides easy access to the Blackstone Valley National Historical Park
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during the day, especially on weekdays
- Rest Areas: Limited rest areas and service stations available along Route 146
8. I-295 / I-95 Interchange (Exit 22)
A busy interchange connecting I-95 and I-295, providing access to Providence and surrounding areas.
- High Traffic Volume: Expect heavy traffic at the interchange during rush hours
- Construction Zones: Occasional construction zones may cause delays
- Toll Road: Tolls are required at certain points along I-295 and I-95
9. Route 37 East-West Connector
A major east-west route connecting Providence with Cranston. It offers easy access to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).
- Artistic Attractions: Provides easy access to Rhode Island School of Design
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during the day, especially on weekdays
- On-Street Parking: Limited on-street parking is available along Route 37
10. Route 146 / I-295 Interchange (Exit 28A)
An interchange connecting Route 146 and I-295, providing access to Providence and Woonsocket.
- High Traffic Volume: Expect heavy traffic at the interchange during rush hours
- Construction Zones: Occasional construction zones may cause delays
- Rest Areas: Limited rest areas and service stations available along Route 146 and I-295
11. Route 117 North-South Connector
A major north-south route connecting Providence with Johnston and Scituate. It offers scenic views of rural Rhode Island.
- Scenic Views: Provides scenic views of rural Rhode Island
- Light Traffic Volume: Expect lighter traffic compared to other major highways in the area
- Rest Areas: Limited rest areas and service stations available along Route 117
12. Route 44 East-West Connector
A major east-west route connecting Providence with Coventry and West Greenwich. It offers easy access to the University of Rhode Island.
- Educational Attractions: Provides easy access to the University of Rhode Island
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during the day, especially on weekdays
- Rest Areas: Limited rest areas and service stations available along Route 44
13. Route 2 North-South Connector
A major north-south route connecting Providence with Woonsocket and Attleboro (Massachusetts). It offers easy access to the Rhode Island Hospital.
- Medical Attractions: Provides easy access to Rhode Island Hospital
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during the day, especially on weekdays
- On-Street Parking: Limited on-street parking is available along Route 2
14. Route 123 North-South Connector
A major north-south route connecting Providence with Lincoln and Cumberland. It offers easy access to the Slater Memorial Park.
- Historical Attractions: Provides easy access to Slater Memorial Park
- Light Traffic Volume: Expect lighter traffic compared to other major highways in the area
- Rest Areas: Limited rest areas and service stations available along Route 123
15. Route 403 East-West Connector
A major east-west route connecting Providence with Cranston and Warwick. It offers easy access to the Quonset Business Park.
- Business Attractions: Provides easy access to the Quonset Business Park
- Heavy Traffic: Expect heavy traffic during the day, especially on weekdays
- Rest Areas: Limited rest areas and service stations available along Route 403