The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), in partnership with the City of Newport, announced today that work is beginning this week on the Broadway Streetscape Improvement Project, a $5.8 million contract with Cardi Corporation to resurface the roadway and upgrade pedestrian facilities. The project was designed using Complete Streets principles; the state's Complete Streets Law requires that all federal- and state-funded road construction projects equally consider motor vehicles, bicyclists, public transportation and pedestrians. Completion is scheduled for fall 2016.
In addition to roadway repairs, the project will upgrade sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting and landscaping along one of Broadway's most heavily traveled sections, between Farewell Street and Bliss Road. Funding for the project was made possible through federal sources, including Safe Routes to School, in addition to the Rhode Island Municipal Road and Bridge Revolving Fund.
"With this partnership, funds from the Municipal Road and Bridge Fund are put into action," Governor Gina Raimondo said. "This project does exactly what this infrastructure fund was designed for – it puts our construction crews back to work and revitalizes our economy. This partnership is a great step towards moving Rhode Island forward."
"I'm glad to see the state and the City of Newport collaborating on the Broadway Streetscape Improvement Project to enhance walkability and better connect pedestrians with this historic and scenic neighborhood. These improvements will be beneficial not only for visitors and residents, but for the small businesses that power the local economy in the Broadway community. I will continue to push for federal funding, which is essential for road construction projects across the state," said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development.
"Newport is a world-class tourist destination attracting visitors from all over the world and infrastructure investments like this one are an important way to ensure that motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians can connect to the small businesses and historic sites that drive the economy of Aquidneck Island. I'm proud to join with my colleagues in advocating for federal infrastructure funding that will support economic growth and improve quality of life across our state," said U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline.
"We are excited to be working collaboratively with the City of Newport on this project," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. said. "It is efforts like this that demonstrate what's possible when local and state forces come together to propel our state forward and improve safety on our roads. The final result will be something that complements the character of the city, supports the local economy, and improves access for all users."
"Newport was the first community in Rhode Island to adopt the 'Complete Streets' concept which seeks to reconstruct main streets throughout the United States," Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano said. "Many volunteers from AARP and other organizations gave their time and energy to incorporate ideas which will make pedestrian and vehicle passage safer for residents, businesses, and visitors. It is the Gateway to our city and will be beautiful."
Over the course of the project, work will take place on two separate sections of Broadway, between Farewell Street and Bliss Road. The northern portion of the road will be resurfaced while the southern half is scheduled for a more in-depth reconstruction and pedestrian upgrades. The project may require temporary restrictions – as well as a permanent traffic pattern change between Marlborough Street and Farewell Street; this to support increased pedestrian circulation and additional parking.
Cranston Avenue to Bliss Road, April-May 2015
* Resurface existing roadway (beginning week of April 20).
* Install street signage and striping.
Farewell Street to Cranston Avenue, April 2015 - November 2016
* Broadway permanently converted to one-way traffic southbound between Marlborough Street and Farewell Street beginning in late April.
* Full-depth reconstruction of the roadway in 600-foot sections.
* Sidewalk reconstruction, including wheelchair ramps.
* Curb extensions and raised crosswalks.
* Landscaping and lighting improvements.
* New pavement markings and street signage.
* Broadway temporarily converted to one-way traffic northbound between Marlborough Street and Cranston Avenue for raised crosswalk installation (effective October 2016).
The work from Farewell Street to Cranston Avenue is being completed in phases to minimize the impacts to nearby businesses and reduce the number of parking spaces lost during construction. Crews will concentrate on half of the road at a time, moving from Cranston Street to Farewell Street and then working their way back. Each section is expected to take up to two months. Schedule of work is subject to change; RIDOT will make every reasonable effort to accelerate the work where possible.
To sign up for weekly updates on this and other active RIDOT projects around the state, contact dot.customerservice@dot.ri.gov. Visit www.dot.ri.gov or follow RIDOTnews on Facebook or Twitter for timely information on construction projects and traffic conditions.
Contact: Rose Amoros (401) 222-1362, Ext. 4450