The agency reported these results in its most recently quarterly report release Nov. 17. The report is available at www.ridot.net/accountability.
“We closed out the prior quarter and the federal fiscal year with an impressive number of accomplishments, not least of which is getting construction underway on more projects than we originally projected,” says RIDOT director Peter Alviti, Jr. “We remain committed to being diligent stewards of the public investment taxpayers have entrusted in us to deliver the highest quality transportation system possible for Rhode Island.”
That $174 million figure accounted for 49 projects across the state, including $13.5 million for three projects that weren’t planned for another two years.
Project summaries for the fiscal year include:
- Bridges: 32 bridges in 18 projects valued at $105.3 million
- Pavement: eight projects valued at $30.3 million
- Traffic: 10 projects valued at 13.2 million
- Transportation alternatives: two projects value at $7.1 million
- Maintenance and operations: 11 projects valued at $18.1 million
“This work not only represents much needed improvements to our transportation infrastructure made possible by our RhodeWorks program, but also represents jobs for construction industry and additional economic benefits derived from having smooth roads and well-maintained bridges,” Alviti says.
RIDOT published the following milestones for the most recent quarter:
RHODEWORKS
Tolling Program
RIDOT executed a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), making it clear that the federal government agrees with Rhode Island’s program to implement bridge tolls on large commercial vehicles or “tractor trailers” and that it meets the toll eligibility requirement in federal law.
10-Year Plan
The FHWA and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) have approved RIDOT’s 10-year transportation plan – a first for Rhode Island and only the third long-range plan of its type adopted nationwide.
GARVEE Bonds
Signature of the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) that allowed RIDOT and its partners at the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to go to market with an additional $300 million in Federal GARVEE bonds. Obtained at a 2.8 percent interest rate, the bonds will fund the surge in bridge construction planned under RhodeWorks.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Rapid Bridge Construction
Over the course of two long weekend closures in September, RIDOT replaced the East Shore Expressway and McCormick Quarry Bridges in East Providence – the first completed in 83 hours and the second in just 65 hours. These represent the culture of innovation and commitment to project delivery at RIDOT.
Providence River Pedestrian Bridge
RIDOT worked closely with our partners at the I-195 Redevelopment District Commission to accelerate the advertisement of the Providence River Pedestrian Bridge. Notice to Proceed was issued to the contractor in early September 2016.
Task Order Contracting
During the fourth quarter, some 49 task order contracts were awarded for design and engineering support. This is an industry best practice employed by departments of transportation around the country that gets future road and bridge projects ready for construction faster than before.
TRANSIT
Providence Transit Hub
RIDOT received proposals from four real estate development firms in response to a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the construction of the Providence Intermodal Transit Center, a facility that will integrate bus and train service with parking and other economic development opportunities.
Providence-Newport Ferry
RIDOT closed a successful first season for the Providence-Newport ferry, with more than 33,000 passengers enjoying travel by ferry on Narragansett Bay. RIDOT is investigating ways to provide expanded ferry service in 2017. Pawtucket/Central Falls Commuter Rail Station RIDOT was awarded a highly competitive TIGER grant for $13.1 million for the development of the Pawtucket/Central Falls Train Station.
OPERATIONS
Richmond Welcome Center
RIDOT reopened the rest area on I-95 North between Exits 2 and 3 in time for Labor Day weekend with portable restroom facilities, and later opened the rest area’s indoor facilities by Columbus Day weekend.
Stormwater
RIDOT has engaged with two firms to complete a statewide drainage inventory and RIDOT in-house crews are making progress toward cleaning and inspecting catch basins.
Safety
RIDOT hosted the first Impaired Driving Summit at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Knight Campus in Warwick in August, with more than 100 participants.
