WARWICK, RI - Congress, this year, will reauthorize the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users.  This legislation will provide critical funding, planning, and support to our state’s transportation needs for the next several years.  Unfortunately, just last week, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials classified the condition of more than two-thirds of Rhode Island’s major roads as either poor or mediocre, and the state was ranked third-worst nationally. 

Through the SAFETEA-LU reauthorization process, Langevin worked with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to identify priority projects that are eligible to receive funding within this bill.  Below, please find a list of projects requested through the authorization process:

- RIDOT – Rt. 4/I-95 Interchange Improvements, $36 million
This project would fund improvements to the interchange between I-95 and Rt. 4.  The existing system of ramps does not provide direct freeway to freeway links for 1) Rt. 4 North to I-95 South and 2) I-95 North to Rt. 4 South.  This project will construct connections to add the missing direct connections at this location.  Major arterials are presently providing these connections through surrounding communities. 

- RIDOT – Statewide Pavement Management Plan, $30 million
This funding will allow for resurfacing and other pavement management activities throughout the state.  This project would help Rhode Island improve its roadway system by funding the resurfacing of approximately 50 additional lane miles of roadway and associated sidewalks per year that otherwise would be left to further deterioration.

- RIDOT – Pawtucket River Bridge Replacement, $30 million
This project would provide funding for the replacement of the I-95 Pawtucket River Bridge, which is a major bridge on the National Highway System, including any necessary construction work to keep the existing bridge open during the construction of the new bridge. 

- RIPTA/City of Providence – Providence Streetcar Project, $37.5 million
The construction and implementation of a Metropolitan Providence streetcar system will create stronger linkages between key designations in Providence, enhance pedestrian connectivity, encourage pedestrian trips, and reduce short automobile trips within the downtown core.  Rhode Island Hospital (the city's largest private sector employer) will serve as the anchor in a starter line system that will connect commercial, residential, entertainment, and university locations. 

- RIPTA – Statewide Bus Fleet Replacement, $14 million
This funding will be used to replace buses, trolleys, and vans for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA.)  As the fleet ages, vehicles are less reliable and more costly to maintain. 

- City of Providence – Pedestrian Improvements Plan, $2.12 million
This funding request is for the City of Providence to maintain their 740 miles of sidewalks and improve mobility for all residents and visitors. 

- City of Providence – Paving and Reconstruction of City Streets, $10 million
This project would fund the repaving and construction of streets in the City of Providence.  An evaluation of the streets has shown that the condition is unacceptable and that nine million dollars is needed annually to keep up with the paving requirements outlined in the City's Pavement Management System.

- City of Providence – Providence Railroad Station Plaza Deck, $1 million
This funding will be used to restore, inspect, plan, and construct the Providence Railroad Station Plaza Deck.  Since the opening of the Plaza Deck over 20 years ago, it has experienced much deterioration as a result of deferred maintenance, deicing chemicals, and design/construction details. 

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