New plan unveiled for the 6/10 connector

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A packed room in Providence Monday night as the city, unveiled its vision for the 6-10 connector.

"City designers have been working very diligently to incorporate community feedback into a viable, design alternative," said Mayor Jorge Elorza.

Authorities say the ambitious plan is a parkway connecting Roger Williams Park, to downtown.

After months of public input, the main focus connecting communities.

"If we’re going to reconnect the highway, what we really want to do is find ways to reconnect some of those streets that were severed when the highway was built," said Bonnie Nickerson, Director of Planning and Development.

The plan includes 4 new connections from the roadway, to neighborhoods, and improving the 7 that already exist.

Providence officials say they hope to open up more than 50 acres in Olneyville to expand business, and to create two miles of bike paths and walking space.

"It helps to improve the safety, and attractiveness and quality of life for these neighborhoods, and that’s really what this plan does," said Bonnie Nickerson.

Many in the audience told ABC6 this plan, although not perfect, is a major improvement.

"Living on federal hill, I like the idea that I could get to neighborhoods near me more easily, without going under scary bridges or over scary bridges and worrying about fast moving cars," said Ken DeBlois.

"I do overall think this makes significant improvements over what RIDOT is proposing," said James Kennedy from Moving Together Providence.

The RIDOT plan is completely different than what the state wants to do.

The state is focused solely on replacing the crumbling 6-10 connector.

Although no price tag on either just yet – city officials believe their plan will be cheaper, but it will take longer to finish.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016