Photo by Lindsey Lerner 

WPRO News and the Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – An overhauled Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence is slated to reopen to transit passengers and pedestrians on Jan. 17.

The city’s transit hub has been closed since the summer. Initial estimates had the plaza reopening in late fall, but the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority says work took longer than expected. Some design modifications were made along the way.

A RIPTA spokeswoman says she appreciates the public’s patience, and believes passengers will feel it was worth the wait once they see the changes.

The plaza will have new lighting, improved signage and trees. The aim of the overhaul is to create a safer, pedestrian-friendly plaza with efficient transit connections.