RIPTA to Reopen East Side Tunnel on Thursday, October 31, 2024
Routes 1, 32, 33, 34, 40, and 61X will no longer be detoured
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is pleased to announce that the historic East Side Tunnel will officially reopen to bus service on October 31, 2024, following extensive renovations. With the reopening, detours that have been in place since March 25, 2024, will be lifted, and all affected bus routes—Routes 1, 32, 33, 34, 40, and 61X—will return to their regular routing through the tunnel.
This critical transit infrastructure, originally built in 1914 to support the city’s former trolley system, connects downtown Providence to the East Side and beyond. The renovation project focused on improving drainage, lighting, and structural integrity of the tunnel, as well as the restoration of the 110-year-old bus shelter on North Main Street.
“We are happy to reopen the East Side Tunnel to our riders after months of hard work and careful restoration,” said Christopher Durand, interim Chief Executive Officer. “We greatly appreciate our riders’ patience during construction and are excited to welcome passengers back to this historic transit corridor.”
RIPTA will host a formal press conference on October 30, 2024 at 11am to commemorate the completion of construction and reopening of the historic tunnel.
Route 1, 32, 33, 34, 40, and 61X riders should note the following updates:
All detours will be lifted, and buses will resume regular service through the tunnel, including direct service to stops on Angell Street, Waterman Street, and North Main Street.
The East Side Tunnel bus shelter on North Main Street will be reopened.
All temporary bus stops will be removed; riders can board at their regular bus stop.
For more information on the East Side Tunnel project, please visit RIPTA.com/Tunnel.
For more information on RIPTA services, call 401-781-9400 or visit RIPTA.com.