Rhode Island Route 103

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Route 103
Length: 11.3 mi (18.2 km)
Formed: 19__
West end: Route 114 in East Providence
Major
junctions:
Route 114 in Barrington
East end: Route 103 in Swansea, MA
Rhode Island Routes
< Route 102 Route 103A >

Route 103 is a numbered State Highway running 11.3 miles in Rhode Island.

[edit] Route

Note: This section uses [] () to indicate a one-way pair. Streets appearing in [] are the northbound or eastbound side. Streets appearing in () are the southbound or westbound side. The reading order inside the brackets and parentheses is the same as outside.

Route 103 takes the following route through the State:

[edit] History

Route 103 used to be much longer, extending through Providence and along present-day Route 14 to Connecticut.

At one time, the main road east from Providence (at first NE 3, now US 6) used Route 103 rather than the current US 6 alignment. Maps disagree on when the change to the current alignment took place. However, rather than using Warren Avenue to the Washington Bridge, the main road continued north on Pawtucket Avenue to Waterman Avenue, and used Waterman Avenue over the old Red Bridge to Providence. When the main road was moved to current US 6, it at first continued to use Waterman Avenue via MA 114A and County Street to the state line.

The current alignment of Route 103 along Warren Avenue in East Providence was also US 6 before Interstate 195 was built. Some signs still mark it as US 6, including some signs placed since 2000.

[edit] Notes

Route 103 is a major commercial corridor in East Providence.

Westbound traffic at the first split from Route 114 northbound in Barrington must make a U-turn onto Route 114 south and then turn right.

Route 103A is an alternate route through Riverside in southern East Providence; it was naver Route 103.

Many maps have shown Route 103 using Veterans Memorial Parkway from a bit east of the second Route 114 concurrency to its west end.

Along Route 103 in East Providence. The sign with only US 6 was removed after this photo was taken; the one with both shields was installed slightly before.
Along Route 103 in East Providence. The sign with only US 6 was removed after this photo was taken; the one with both shields was installed slightly before.
Another sign assembly showing US 6 along Route 103, this one on Route 114 south.
Another sign assembly showing US 6 along Route 103, this one on Route 114 south.