The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that it will begin overnight demolition of the old I-195 bridge over Wickenden Street in Providence as part of the Iway project. The work will take place during the overnight hours next week, beginning at 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 10, 2010. RIDOT will maintain traffic on Wickenden Street, but motorists will only find one lane of travel in each direction when demolition is taking place. RIDOT expects this work will take approximately one week to complete, with lane restrictions in place Sunday through Thursday nights from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Additional work may be needed the following week, however, RIDOT expects that will take place during the daytime and not require any lane closures.

Saturday, Dec. 12, 10-5
Sunday, Dec. 13, 12-4

Local artisans offering unique, handmade gifts for the holidays...including accessories, pottery, jewelry, wearables, artwork, paper goods, edible treats, and more!  Additional details on the attached flyer.

Come support district artists!

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is reminding motorists that it will close   I-95 North and South in Providence on various nights over the next two weeks for Iway-related construction. The closures will also affect traffic on I-195 West to I-95 North. Motorists are strongly urged to seek alternate routes during the closure period. The work is being done during overnight hours, when traffic volumes are the lowest, to minimize impacts to motorists.

The full highway closures are scheduled to begin on Thursday, November 19, 2009 and conclude on Tuesday, November 24, 2009. The closure schedule is as follows:

The JDA is formulating its response to the final report from the Krieger Study (titled: "Rhode Island Interstate 195 Relocation Surplus Land: Redevelopment and Marketing Analysis" - 50MB file, very large).  We are seeking feedback and input from the JDA membership before submitting our thoughts to the city.

Please review the report and our recommendations in the Planning & Zoning section of the site under Current Discussions (or CLICK HERE to go directly there), and post your thoughts and comments.

Tuesday, November 17th at 5:00 PM in the Bio Med building at 171 Meeting Street in room 202 Brown University is holding an informational session on their Institutional Master Plan amendment including their plans for the Jewelry District. Please join them there to find out more!

Please join us for a presentation & discussion with Dean Edward J. Wing, MD from Brown University, who will present Brown’s plans for a new medical education building. Dr. Wing believes “The new building will be a catalyst in the revitalization of the Jewelry District – inciting growth of new research and business. The building will become one of the cornerstones in an emerging knowledge based economy in Providence.”

We will also be holding the Joint Annual Meeting of the Jewelry District Association and the Jewelry District Foundation, including a review of this year and goals for the upcoming year, in addition to board elections.

Come discuss this exciting new development with us on Tuesday! The event is a great time to meet your neighbors and become involved in shaping the future of the Jewelry District. Includes hors d'ouevres and a cash bar. See you there!

The Providence & Worcester Railroad Company will be making emergency repairs that will require the closing of Allens Avenue between Oxford Street and Terminal Road beginning Friday, October 23, 2009, 9:00AM and possibly extending through Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 5PM.  Through traffic on Allens Avenue will not be able to get to the Allens Avenue On-Ramp to I-95 North when this closure is in place.  The on-ramp to I-95 North from Thurbers Avenue will remain open.

The City of Providence has recently completed the installation of a Siren System in the Port of Providence.  It is similar to Brown’s Siren System which will be used to alert people in the proximity of the Port for life threatening emergencies where there is no advance warning and it is imperative that people immediately seek shelter indoors.  The first test of the siren system is scheduled for October 23rd between noon at 1:00 pm as part of a Providence Local Emergency Planning Committee exercise.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced that the last major segment of the Iway: I-195 West to I-95 North is scheduled to open in time for the morning commute on Tuesday, October 20. All changes are weather permitting.

Please see attached maps.  With next week’s opening of I-195 West to I-95 North, the Department will also open the ramp from I-195 West to Point Street, and the ramp from I-95 North to Point Street. These ramps will carry traffic going to the Jewelry District, the Davol Square area, the hospitals complex, and the west side of Providence.  Additionally, once the I-195 West to I-95 North movement is open, motorists traveling on Gano Street and taking the I-195 West on-ramp will have access to both I-95 North and I-95 South.

The Wickenden Street and Dyer Street on-ramps to I-195 West will be closed. Motorists who used to travel this area will need to take alternate routes to access I-95 North and I-95 South as shown in the attached map for outbound traffic.

Due to the heavy rain that is expected this Sunday, September 27 the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will delay the start of construction for the new traffic pattern on I-95 North until Tuesday, September 29.

Alix Ogden, Director of Operations for the City of Providence, is seeking input about parks and recreations in Providence.  Click on Read More to find out about the survey and find the link to it...

The Planning Department has scheduled two meetings to discuss the building of local streets related to the I-195 relocation project.  The meetings are to review street designs, not the planned parks.  The meeting for the streets on Westside of River (Jewelry District)  is on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 6:00 PM...

Beadworks, a new member of the JDA, is opening at 16 Bassett Street in the Jewelry District this Saturday, June 20th at 16 Bassett Street (the former home of Rue Bis). The Beadworks bead shop can show you how to make a piece of jewelry, even if you've never tried before – no experience necessary; they also offer classes in beading and wire working if you want to become more proficient.  They are offering a discount for JDA members...