NEWS

Historic photos: Traffic in Rhode Island

Michael Delaney
The Providence Journal
Even in the days when cars had wings, like this 1959 Chevy Bel-Air, they weren't going anywhere fast in this traffic jam from 1961.
Even in the days when cars had wings, like this 1959 Chevy Bel-Air, they weren't going anywhere fast in this traffic jam from 1961.
The Providence Journal, File
In the aftermath of the July 1948 rainstorm, downtown Providence was flooded around the old train station near Exchange and Gaspee streets.
In the aftermath of the July 1948 rainstorm, downtown Providence was flooded around the old train station near Exchange and Gaspee streets.
The Providence Journal, File
In July 1948, a sudden downpour flooded the streets of downtown Providence. Buses and a fire engine slogged through the water, trying to keep going.
In July 1948, a sudden downpour flooded the streets of downtown Providence. Buses and a fire engine slogged through the water, trying to keep going.
The Providence Journal, File
On Valentine's Day in 1940, over a foot of snow fell in the metro Providence area. Cars and trucks were stuck everywhere. This is the scene near Broad Street and Elmwood Avenue.
On Valentine's Day in 1940, over a foot of snow fell in the metro Providence area. Cars and trucks were stuck everywhere. This is the scene near Broad Street and Elmwood Avenue.
The Providence Journal, File
In this photo from the 1890s there was no traffic at all, as the automobile had not made its first appearance. People line up for a ride at the trolley station.
In this photo from the 1890s there was no traffic at all, as the automobile had not made its first appearance. People line up for a ride at the trolley station.
The Providence Journal, File