Bristol-Providence Ferry Service Delayed, Now Opening Thursday

BRISTOL, RI — A mechanical issue has caused the start of free ferry service between Bristol and Providence to be delayed until Thursday, officials with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) said.

Originally, the ferry service to help commuters affected by the closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge was supposed to open Wednesday. But there was a mechanical issue with a crane being used to position a floating dock for passengers to embark and disembark at the ferry terminal at India Point Park in Providence, according to RIDOT officials.

The ferry service is being provided by SeaStreak, Rhode Island Fast Ferry, and Block Island Ferry and runs at half hour intervals from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week, RIDOT officials said.

"We wanted to offer as many modes of transportation as we could to people who have been affected by the closure of one side of the Washington Bridge," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said.

Those who wish to use the ferry can board at the State Street Dock in Bristol at 127 Thames St. The Bristol Maritime Center will be open as well for waiting passengers. There is free parking at Colt State Park, where riders can take a RIPTA shuttle to the dock. Shuttles will be available to take returning riders to their parked cars at designated times in the afternoon and the evening.

The ferry will dock at 25 Portugal Parkway in Providence. There is free parking, and about 120 spaces. A RIPTA shuttle will be available to take riders between this location and the Providence MBTA station.

The schedule for the ferry is available on the Washington Bridge closure web page.

All three ferry providers are hiring deck hands and other staff, RIDOT officials said.

RIDOT officials said they plan to offer the service for 98 days between Thursday and March 29, 2024.

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