April 19, 2021 2:23 pm
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Governor Dan McKee, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti and members of Rhode Island’s Congressional delegation joined together Monday afternoon underneath the state’s busiest highways to announce the start of the 2021 construction season.
RIDOT currently has 34 construction projects underway, including the repairs of 129 bridges. By the end of 2021, the department plans to have 50 projects underway, including the repairs of 146 bridges. The projects have a $1.4 billion price tag.
Underneath the Providence Viaduct @GovDanMcKee, @RIDOTNews, RI’s congressional delegation joining together to kick off the 2021 construction season.
This season includes a $265 million project to replace the viaduct. Director Peter Alviti says it’s the busiest spot in RI. @ABC6pic.twitter.com/DLm8cMKbau
The latest funding deficit is blamed, not surprisingly, on COVID-19, which halted travel last year, depressing gas tax revenues, and led Gov. Gina Raimondo s administration to dip into funds for construction projects to balance the budget.
Last year the DOT projected a $20 million shortfall in gas tax collections, $30 million in diverted capital funds and a $20 million reduction in borrowing that wouldn t have gone to voters. The voter approval of this bond will provide necessary funding to continue improvements to Rhode Island roads, bridges, pedestrian and bicycle assets, our transit system, train stations, and ferry system, DOT spokesman Charles St. Martin wrote of the rationale for the bond.
Fri December 18, 2020 - Northeast Edition
EcoRI News
Proposed new realignment of Route 146 with a new bridge. (RIDOT rendering)
It s safe to say that if you ve ever driven on Interstate 95 northbound in Providence, R.I., near the mall, you ve put your life in other people s steering-wheel-gripping hands. This area, known as the Providence Viaduct, had more than 1,000 vehicle crashes between 2009 and 2014 and can back up for several miles during rush hour. This corridor has easily become the most congested section of highway in the state, Anthony Pompei, a project manager of the
Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), said during a Dec. 10 online presentation.