RIDOT bringing varied list of achievements to fruition.
Building on year-end achievements as 2024 season begins.
Maintaining steady progress across multiple projects and initiatives, while dealing with the sudden closure of the Washington Bridge, RIDOT was able to report a number of achievements as FFY 2023 came to a close. As the 2024 construction season ramps into full gear, the agency is continuing to focus on succeeding milestones across an extensive list of major and secondary projects. Highlights include:
Providence Viaduct North
Providence Viaduct North. This $265 million effort is replacing the 1,295-foot northbound section of the Providence Viaduct Bridge — a segment of I-95 that carries over 220,000 vehicles a day over numerous local roads and highway ramps, the Amtrak Northeast Corridor and the Woonasquatucket River. A new collector-distributor road (C/D) road on I-95 North was opened, separating through traffic from entering and exiting vehicles. Old ramps from Routes 6/10 were demolished. Steel girders were installed for the new northern half of the Smith Street Bridge. Substructure construction continued for the new Atwells Avenue on-ramp to I-95 North.
Route 146 Reconstruction. This $196 million project includes replacement of multiple bridges, repaving 8 miles of roadway, and corrections for numerous safety and congestion problems. A key component is the elimination of the traffic signal at the junction of Route 146 and Sayles Hill Road — a location that averages more than 85 crashes per year while causing significant congestion and delays. The only signalized intersection on the entire Route 146 highway corridor in Rhode Island, it is being replaced by a flyover road bridge.
Route 37 Improvements
Route 37 Improvements. The current Phase 2 includes the construction of a new bridge west of Pontiac Avenue — along with the rebuilding of 6 additional bridges. Numerous improvements are also being made to improve safety and reduce congestion in the “Cranston Canyon” at the Route 37 and I-295 interchange, including the creation of a third auxiliary lane. RIDOT has advertised a design-build RFP for the final “right-sizing” Phase 3, which includes replacement of the overbuilt loop-ramp at Post Road.
Washington Secondary Bike Path. This 19-mile bike path connecting Coventry, West Warwick, Warwick and Cranston is the longest one in RI — providing cyclists and walkers with an efficient, safe link for recreation and commuting to work and school. Construction began this spring with full-depth repairs to fix degradation from large cracks and tree roots. A new pavement surface overlay will be installed in late summer covering 11 miles of the path. Other improvements include new striping, signage, fencing — and ADA ramps at 13 roadway/path intersections.
For the most up-to-date information on RIDOT programs and projects, visit: www.dot.ri.gov/RhodeWorks/
