The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced the largest federal grant awarded to Rhode Island for the Interstate 95 Bridges project.
The project is supported by a $251 million federal Bridge Investment Program grant secured by Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation in July.
The project’s total cost is $779 million and aims to upgrade 11 bridges. The other four will be completely removed. The bridges are in Providence, Cranston and Warwick.
RIDOT will also rebuild Rhode Island Route 10 from Elmwood Avenue to Park Avenue. It will be transformed into a boulevard with a shared use path.
The project will begin immediately. RIDOT expects the Elmwood Avenue Bridge will be the first to be repaired. It will be replaced using accelerated bridge construction methods, beginning in late summer.
The project is expected to take seven years and be finished in 2031.
"Every single bridge in Rhode Island should be safe, accessible, and reliable," said Congressman Seth Magaziner. "Rhode Islanders depend on bridges to get to school and work, and to see their loved ones. I'm proud to work with my colleagues in the congressional delegation to deliver this funding and am confident that there is more to come."
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Source: RIDOT, ABC 6
