PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Rhode Island has received a $60 million federal highway grant to make improvements to Interstate 95.
The state’s congressional delegation says the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant will be used to replace and upgrade the northbound Providence Viaduct on the highway.
The 1,300-foot-long viaduct, which was built in 1964, runs alongside the Providence Place Mall and carries about 220,000 vehicles per day.
“I am thrilled that the state has won more than $60 million from the INFRA program that I authored to provide vital funding for once-in-a-generation infrastructure projects in Rhode Island,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “This significant federal grant is the linchpin that will allow the state to transform the Providence Viaduct to make it safer and more convenient for the many Rhode Islanders who use it every day. The investment will create good construction jobs as we bring one of the region’s main arteries into the twenty-first century. I thank Senator Reed and Congressmen Langevin and Cicilline for their partnership in securing this grant.”
“Without this infusion of federal funding, RIDOT would only have been able to replace the existing structure as is,” said Senator Jack Reed. “This federal funding will enable RIDOT to make lasting improvements and upgrades that will carry us into the next century. Beside fixing what is literally “crumbling infrastructure,” this project will resolve the capacity challenges and design limitations that make driving on the viaduct a white-knuckle experience for many drivers. I am pleased we were able to deliver this major federal commitment,” said Senator Reed, who advocated for the grant directly with U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. “This is a smart federal investment that will pay off for Rhode Island and the entire Northeast corridor for decades to come.”
“It is critical that we make the investments necessary to modernize Rhode Island’s deteriorating infrastructure,” said Congressman James Langevin. “This federal grant will help address ongoing structural and capacity issues to ensure this key transportation artery is able to accommodate current and future traffic demands. I am thrilled to help deliver these federal funds alongside my delegation colleagues, and I applaud RIDOT for its continued dedication to improving our state’s roads and bridges.”
“A promise to get government working For The People again means a promise to make sound investments in rebuilding our state’s infrastructure,” Congressman Cicilline said. “No Rhode Islander should be forced to live in fear of their commute because of run-down roads and bridges. This critical grant money will provide RIDOT with necessary funds to create a safer Providence and more prosperous Rhode Island for generations to come. I’m proud of our work to bring these important funds back to Rhode Island to make our state an even better place to call home.”
Replacement of the southbound section was completed in 2017, but the northbound side remains structurally deficient.
