The Providence Viaduct project is expected to last five years at a cost of nearly $150 million. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
By the WPRO Newsroom and The Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – Federal and state officials in Rhode Island have kicked off a major project to replace two bridges that carry Interstate 95 through the heart of Providence.
Gov. Lincoln Chafee, the state’s congressional delegation, Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and others participated Monday in a ground-breaking ceremony for the project.
Two new spans will be built to replace the deteriorating bridges of the Providence Viaduct. The original bridges were built in 1964.
The work is expected to cost nearly $150 million and stretch into late 2018. The state will pay 20 percent of the cost, with federal money being used for the rest.
“This is the critical piece of Route 95, not just for Rhode Island, but for all of New England,” said Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI). He raised the prospect of a failure of the bridges carrying the Interstate roadway through the heart of Providence.
“The economic impact will be devastating in Rhode Island, but it will transmit throughout the Northeast,” Reed said.
State Transportation Director Michael Lewis says the replacement of the Viaduct is critical and that the quality of a state’s infrastructure is directly linked to the economy.
Lewis said that motorists should start to see piles being driven and a shift to a temporary off ramp within the next several weeks.
Officials sign a beam that will be among hundreds driven into the ground to support the highway relocation. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News