Rhode Island’s construction season begins

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The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) recently kicked off its 2021 construction season with a ceremony held under the Providence Viaduct.

The viaduct, a structurally deficient bridge, is among 34 projects under construction. The $265 million project will replace a 1,300-foot bridge span that carries more than 220,000 vehicles daily. RIDOT also will rebuild 10 bridges and correct congestion and safety issues along this section of I-95.

Funding was via a $60.3 million INFRA grant.

This year’s construction schedule includes 50 projects, totaling $1.4 billion, including 146 bridges.

Work is underway on 15 bridges on Route 37 from Post Road in Warwick to the Pontiac Avenue interchange. The $58.9 million project will improve safety and ease congestion.

Work is underway on the Pawtucket/Central Falls Train Station and Bus Hub. The $58 million project will start rail service in summer 2022.

Service will resume this summer on the Providence-to-Newport Ferry.

The $410 million Route 6/10 Interchange project is in its third full year. The project will replace seven structurally deficient bridges and connect Route 10 North to Route 6 West.

Work is underway on the Henderson Bridge, which spans the Seekonk River from East Providence to Providence. The $84.4 million project will replace the bridge.