History of Interstates and U.S. Highways in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s highway system, despite being in the smallest state, plays a critical role in connecting the state to New England’s broader transportation network. U.S. highways like U.S. 1 and U.S. 6 were among the first major routes in the region, helping link Rhode Island’s cities and towns. The creation of the Interstate Highway System brought major highways like I-95 and I-195, which remain essential for regional commerce and travel.
Highways such as I-95 serve as a key corridor for interstate traffic, particularly between New York City and Boston. I-195 offers access to the state’s eastern regions and links Providence to southeastern Massachusetts. Additionally, U.S. 1 and U.S. 6 provide vital connections for commuters and freight traffic, supporting Rhode Island’s economy and tourism, especially along the state's scenic coastlines.
Rhode Island is continually focused on maintaining and upgrading its highway infrastructure. Ongoing projects aim to improve traffic flow, expand capacity, and address aging infrastructure. Improvements to key routes like I-95 and I-295 are also designed to handle increasing traffic volumes, ensuring the state remains connected to the regional transportation network.
Busiest and Longest Federal Interstates and U.S. Highways in Rhode Island
| Interstate or Highway | Length (mi) | Length (km) | Southern or Western Terminus | Northern or Eastern Terminus | Created |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-95 | 43 | 69 | Connecticut Border | Massachusetts Border | 1956 |
| I-195 | 4 | 6 | Providence, RI | Massachusetts Border | 1956 |
| I-295 | 26 | 42 | Warwick, RI | Massachusetts Border | 1962 |
| U.S. 1 | 54 | 87 | Connecticut Border | Massachusetts Border | 1926 |
| U.S. 6 | 29 | 47 | Connecticut Border | Massachusetts Border | 1926 |
| U.S. 44 | 25 | 40 | Connecticut Border | Massachusetts Border | 1926 |
| U.S. 1A | 22 | 35 | Narragansett, RI | Pawtucket, RI | 1926 |
| Route 138 | 47 | 76 | Jamestown, RI | Massachusetts Border | 1936 |
| Route 4 | 10 | 16 | North Kingstown, RI | Warwick, RI | 1960 |
| Route 146 | 16 | 26 | Providence, RI | Massachusetts Border | 1950 |
Rhode Island Designated Highways
Rhode Island Interstate Highway 95, I-95 S
Rhode Island Interstate Highway 195, I-195 E
Rhode Island Interstate Highway 195, I-195 W
Rhode Island Interstate Highway 295, I-295 N
Rhode Island Interstate Highway 295, I-295 S
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Allens Ave
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Broad St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Broadway
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Canal St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Cedar St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Charles St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Comd Oliver Hazard Perry Hwy
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Commodore Perry Hwy
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Eddy St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Elmwood Ave
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Empire St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Fountain St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Francis St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Franklin St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Gaspee St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, George St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Granite St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Greene St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Greenwich Ave
Rhode Island US Highway 1, James St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Main St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, N Main St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Narragansett Blvd
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Newport Ave
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Norwood Ave
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Pawtucket Ave
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Pleasant St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Point St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Post Ext Rd
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Post Rd
Rhode Island US Highway 1, S Water St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Sabin St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Service Road Number 7
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Smith St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Tower Hill Rd
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Tower Hill Rd N
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Tower Hill Rd S
Rhode Island US Highway 1, US-1
Rhode Island US Highway 1, US-1 N
Rhode Island US Highway 1, US-1 S
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Veterans Memorial Dr
Rhode Island US Highway 1, W Broad St
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Warwick Ave
Rhode Island US Highway 1, Washington St
Rhode Island US Highway 6, Danielson Pike
Rhode Island US Highway 6, Hartford Ave
Rhode Island US Highway 6, Hartford Pike
Rhode Island US Highway 6, Highland Ave
Rhode Island US Highway 6, US-6
Rhode Island US Highway 6, US-6 E
Rhode Island US Highway 6, US-6 W
Rhode Island US Highway 6, Warren Ave
Rhode Island US Highway 44, Canal St
Rhode Island US Highway 44, Centerdale Byp
Rhode Island US Highway 44, Hall St
Rhode Island US Highway 44, John St
Rhode Island US Highway 44, N Main St
Rhode Island US Highway 44, Putnam Pike
Rhode Island US Highway 44, S Main St
Rhode Island US Highway 44, S Water St
Rhode Island US Highway 44, Smith St
Rhode Island US Highway 44, Steeple St
Rhode Island US Highway 44, Taunton Ave
Rhode Island US Highway 44, US-44
Rhode Island US Highway 44, Waterman Ave