The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has received a $65 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant to fund the replacement of multiple bridges along Route 146.
The allotment will also aid reconfiguration of the interchange at Sayles Hill Road, as well as the repaving of miles of roadway and other improvements to increase safety and reduce congestion on the main regional artery.
“I advocated directly to Secretary Chao for this competitive grant because Route 146 is one of the most problematic stretches of road in the state,” said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. “After decades of patches, it is in dire need of repair. This federal grant provides an opportunity not just to fix this heavily-used roadway, but to modernize it to improve safety, better integrate public transportation and technology, preserve local businesses, and reduce congestion. I am pleased these federal funds will address safety at the Sayles Hill Road intersection, which averages over 100 accidents a year.”
U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) authored the INFRA Program in 2015 to help meet Rhode Island’s need for large-scale infrastructure investments.
“Route 146, with all of its bumps and quirks, is the main thoroughfare for Rhode Islanders who live in the northern part of the state,” he said. “I’m thrilled that we have the funds in hand to create good jobs upgrading Route 146 with new bridges, a modern design, and miles of fresh pavement. I thank Secretary Chao for recognizing the importance of this project to the future of Rhode Island’s economy.”