The Project consists of the replacement of I-95 Providence Viaduct, Bridge No. 578 in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. The Project includes replacing the existing structure by constructing two new independent bridge structures and rebuilding the adjacent ramp structures north and south of the viaduct. The replacement structure will consist of 1,290-foot long continuous steel girder spans supporting a reinforced concrete deck. The new concrete piers and abutments will be supported on steel piles. Each bridge structure will be constructed to accommodate at least four 12-foot lanes of traffic to provide adequate capacity during construction and for future maintenance activities.

February 29, 2012: "U.S. transportation chief, standing under viaduct, advises RI to seek grant to fix it"

With the benefit of TIGER funding, the Project construction can start immediately, rather than waiting to start in 2014, and be completed prior to the need for more emergency repairs. With the benefit of TIGER funding of $42 million for a portion of Phase 1 of the Project and RIDOT’s committed investment of $127 million for the remainder of Phase 1, Phase 2, 3 and 4, the entire viaduct could be replaced prior to experiencing possible lane restrictions or complete closures.

TIGER funding will help complete Phase 1 by 2016; RIDOT funding will be used for the remainder of the project phases and is scheduled to be complete in 2019.

Phase 1:  Construction of a new bridge for I-95 southbound; relocation of I-95 southbound to the new I-95 southbound bridge; construction of a new Atwells Avenue off-ramp (bridge #577); and construction of the I-95 southbound to Route 6 westbound ramp (bridge #579).

Phase 2:  Relocation of the I-95 northbound traffic to the original southbound bridge; Replacement of Atwells Avenue on-ramp to I-95 northbound (bridge #576); partial reconstruction of Route 6/Route 10 ramp and Memorial Boulevard on-ramp to I-95 northbound, Ramp CB-DB (bridge #583, spans 6 and 7).

Phase 3:  Replacement of existing I-95 northbound bridge #578.

Phase 4:  Relocation of the I-95 northbound traffic to the new northbound bridge; removal of existing I-95 southbound bridge (#578).

Rhode Island's extensive system of roads and bridges provides its residents and visitors with a high level of mobility. As the backbone of the transportation system, roads and bridges play a central role in the state's economy. A well-maintained, safe and free-flowing I-95 in Providence is critical to the state's ability to accommodate future growth safely and efficiently as the state's population and vehicle travel increase. TIGER Discretionary Grant funding for the I-95 Providence Viaduct Project would immediately introduce more than $264 million in new economic activity as well as allow RIDOT to create and preserve over 2,100* jobs; and dramatically improve the safety of the traveling public. Overarching project benefits include:

• Improve condition of existing transportation facilities by replacing the deteriorating bridge
• Facilitate mobility with more efficient circulation provided in the bridge design which would increase long term employment growth and other high-value economic activity in the region
• Improve the livability in Providence and the Rhode Island region by improving safety and mobility, and greatly benefiting the quality of life for residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors, also through the design elements
• Reduce green house gas emissions through reduced congestion attainable with better traffic circulation
• Reduce the number, rate, and consequences of surface-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities with an improved facility as well as the avoidance of potential lane restrictions or closures
• Implement design-build project delivery as an innovative delivery approach – a first for RIDOT; use innovative technology to monitor and maintain the structure
• Increase communication and improve integration of transportation decision making through collaborative discussions and goal setting across public and private entities and other non-traditional partners immediately evident in the preparation of this application

* Based on job creation guidance provided by the Executive Office of the President, Council of Economic Advisors.