U.S. Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined U.S. Reps. Seth Magaziner (R-RI), Gabe Amo (D-RI), and other state officials to kick-off renovation of Providence Station.
Built in 1986, the Providence Station serves more than 2 million passengers a year, making it the 11th most used train station in the country. Officials said that improvements to the station have improved it, but the station is not in a good state of repair and many of the elements within the station are original. With station capacity strained, the renovation project will modernize it and expand the station as well as upgrade access to it, making it safer and easier to use.
“For millions of passengers each year, the Providence Station is a gateway to Rhode Island and our capital city. This project will help Providence Station meet growing ridership with a welcoming space that is more modern, accessible, and efficient,” Reed said. “When it’s completed, it will be a major improvement for passengers, tourism, and the community as a whole.”
The $12.5 million Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) State of Good Repair grant was awarded in 2019. Amtrak has provided another $9.75 million and the Rhode Island Department of Transportation will provide another $7.75 million. The funding builds on previous money secured by the Congressional delegation, including another $5.2 million for station enhancements and $3 million for planning, design, and environmental reviews.
The project will include expanding the station floorplan and providing additional seating; modernizing and expanding restrooms, consolidating ticketing and baggage operations; upgrading the public address system with visual displays; making improvements to accessibility and upgrading the station’s mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and plumbing systems.
“Providence Station currently serves many more passengers than it was originally designed for, and the wear and tear is evident,” Whitehouse said. “This is an exciting project that will greatly improve the travel experience for the millions of passengers who spend time in the Station every year. Once again, our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is at work delivering convenient and reliable transportation upgrades for Rhode Islanders.”