Rhode Island Drivers Reveal State's 3 Most Avoided Winter Roads

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A survey of over 3,000 Rhode Island drivers found the three roads most avoided during the winter months are Interstate 95 from Providence to the Massachusetts border, the Eddie Dowling Highway, and the Victory Highway. The survey, conducted by RVWindshieldReplacement.com, cited factors like heavy traffic, slick bridges, and exposed conditions as reasons drivers try to steer clear of these routes when winter weather hits.

Why it matters

Knowing which roads drivers tend to avoid in winter can help transportation officials and emergency services better prepare for and respond to hazardous conditions on these problem routes. It also provides insight into the driving behaviors and concerns of Rhode Island residents during the cold, snowy months.

The details

The survey questioned 3,004 Rhode Island drivers and found the three most avoided winter roads in the state are Interstate 95 from Providence to the Massachusetts border, the Eddie Dowling Highway, and the Victory Highway. For I-95, the survey cited stop-and-go traffic and slick bridges around Providence as issues that make drivers want to steer clear. The Eddie Dowling Highway was noted as a route where winter conditions "ramp up quickly" as drivers head north out of the city, while the Victory Highway was described as feeling "more exposed" away from the major interstates.

• The survey was conducted in January 2026.

What’s next

Transportation officials in Rhode Island may use the survey findings to prioritize winter maintenance and snow removal efforts on the identified problem routes. Local media could also follow up to see if driving patterns change after this winter season.