The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council (WRWC) has worked for years to improve the quality of the water and the environment surrounding the river.  Several projects in conjunction with the City of Providence, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and others have allowed the area near the river to improve access to the river by residents, provided parks, off-road shared use paths, fish ladders among others.  In addition, the city recently developed a Vision Plan for the project area that looks to activate nearby catalyst properties that would trigger further development, while preserving the character of the surrounding neighborhoods.

 

As part of this project, McMahon is leading a team to improve pedestrian and bicycle amenities along the Woonasquatucket River from Eagle Square to Francis Street in Providence creating a vision of an urban trail separated from the roadway dedicated for motor vehicles.  Emphasis will focus on improving the areas of pedestrian/bicyclists with motor vehicles to create a safer environment for all roadway users, but that would also be conducive to increase the non-motorized traffic. 

 

The project will also enhance the visitor experience by providing pocket parks, kayak launch areas and public art to develop a sense of place along this 1-mile corridor.  While the corridor is used mostly by suburban commuters, the project goal is to improve the access to the river by residents and recreational visitors to the area while preserving the access to and from the city for the different existing and future land uses.