RI Receives $54.5 Million In Federal Funding For Bridge Work

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island will more than $50 million in federal funding to help with bridge repair and improvement projects thanks to a new grant program introduced by U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

Reed is the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD). As part of the 2019 fiscal year spending law, he secured $475 million in funding for states with the greatest need for bridge deck repairs. Rhode Island is expected to receive $54.5 million to aid in bridge repairs projects.

I was proud to join @RIDOTNews today to announce plans to (finally!) replace the Henderson Bridge. We couldn’t do this without @SenJackReed who secured critical federal funding. pic.twitter.com/5xs8lDBW55
— Gina Raimondo (@GovRaimondo) February" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/GovRaimond... 25, 2019

"Bridges are about connecting communities, creating opportunities, and bringing people together. As the top Democrat on the Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, I have focused my efforts on addressing the single biggest transportation challenge we face in Rhode Island - our high percentage of structurally bridges," Sen. Reed said.

Redd was joined by Governor Gina Raimondo, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva and other members of Rhode Island's congressional delegation Monday to unveil plans to repair the aging Henderson Bridge in Providence. The $70 million project will completely rebuild the bridge, which has been classified as "structurally deficient" since 1996.

"Thanks to RhodeWorks, we're making progress improving our state's infrastructure, and replacing Henderson Bridge is a major step," Gov. Raimondo said. "I want to thank Senator Reed for securing this funding and being a stalwart champion for Rhode Island in the United States Senate. This critical, long-term investment will transform the area and benefit Rhode Islanders for generations."

The 2,000-foot bridge carries vehiles over the Seekonk River from East Providence to Providence. RIDOT said has already invested $4 million in necessary repairs over the past decade to keep the bridge safe for drivers, and it has been load rated four times since 2010 to make up for deterioration.

During the first phase of construction, four of the bridge's two lanes will be closed, with a single lane going in each direction, along with another pedestrian and bike lane on one side. When built in 1969, the bridge was overbuilt as part of an unfinished highway. With the smaller footprint, RIDOT says the new bridge will require less future maintenance and free up 33 acres for potential development.

"We are truly grateful to Senator Jack Reed for his leadership in being able to secure the funds to bring much needed improvements to the Henderson Bridge, which will create better access to Waterfront Drive and our waterfront as a whole," Mayor DaSilva said. "The transformation of Henderson Bridge not only fortifies the collaboration between two cities, but also allows residents of the state and the region to benefit from what will be a destination spot for generations to come."

Once the project is complete, Rhode Island's bridges areas as a whole will be 12 percent less deficient.

RIDOT will also receive $15.1 million as part of the spending bill to be used for highway improvements. The agency has not yet determined where the funding will be used.

"Senator Reed's leadership in bringing these funds to Rhode Island has been nothing short of miraculous," said RIDOT Director Peter Alviti. "We thank him for his confidence in the Governor's RhodeWorks program. Clearly he understands that RhodeWorks is producing results and is a good investment."

The state is expected to contribute 20 percent of the project's cost, which is projected to creat 800 job hours.