The final phase of the $15 million Downtown Circulator Project is nearly complete. Originally aimed at improving traffic patterns in the downtown core, the project has expanded to accommodate cyclists, pedestrians, and green infrastructure. In its first phase, Washington Street was converted from a one-way to a two-way street. Projects later followed on Weybosset, Empire, and Dorrance streets, including the redesign of LaSalle and Emmett squares, featuring crosswalks, sidewalks, bike infrastructure, landscaping, and public art.

Now Fountain Street is being repaved following Complete Street guidelines. Its three wide travel lines with on-street parking on either side are being converted to two narrower travel lanes with an eight foot wide curbside bike lane, a buffer zone, on-street parking, and a floating bus island. It will remain as a one way street, but city planners expect the enhancements to slow vehicular traffic and improve the flow of pedestrians and cyclists.

Read about the changes in The Providence Journal, and learn more about Complete Streets here!