I-95 direct connect to Route 4 and Quonset in planning.

Project start made possible by $81 million INFRA grant.

For decades, there has been no direct freeway connection from I-95 to the Quonset Business Park. An incomplete interchange loop between I-95 and Route 4 also exists, requiring highway drivers to wind their way between them using local roads. This causes congestion and delays for both passenger and commercial/freight traffic.

On January 24, the RI Congressional delegation announced the award of a federal $81 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant to RIDOT to establish these missing connections. The grant monies will be used to begin planning for what is expected to be a $135 million project. Components will include:

  • Completion of the “missing move” from Route 4 to I-95 to enable direct travel in all directions
  • Creation of three new ramps, linking Route 403 to Post Road and West Davisville Road, to improve truck/freight access to Quonset Business Park
  • A new roadway link between the two sections of Quonset Business Park

These improvements will help mitigate the use of local roads, improving quality of life for people who live and work in the area. A partnership between RIDOT and Quonset Development Corporation (QDC), construction is projected to begin in 2025.

The result of synergy between federal, state and local officials.

Strong and continual advocates for enhancing the nation’s infrastructure, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse played pivotal roles in championing the landmark bipartisan Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA) and creating the INFRA grant program. This grant is the latest example of the substantial funding they have been able to obtain for major job-creating projects and infrastructure investments across Rhode Island. Their efforts are further amplified through collaboration with Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo, along with Governor Dan McKee.

Quonset Business Park: a valuable economic engine.

According to the QDC 2023 annual report on its economic impact, the 3,200-acre Quonset Business Park currently encompasses 239 businesses which provide over 14,000 full- and part-time jobs. Generating $5.9 billion in economic output, it currently represents approximately 8.3% of the state’s GDP — while generating about $169 million in state and local tax revenue. By 2030, the report also projects, Quonset Business Park will host 17,000 jobs, generate $7.2 billion in economic output — and generate $2.1 billion in household income for Rhode Island families.

 

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