Governor Lincoln D. Chafee will join the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and other Federal, State and local officials to break ground on the Waterfront Drive project in East Providence on Thursday, June 9, at 10 a.m.
Construction of this project, which includes about 1.1 miles of new roadway from Warren Avenue to Dexter Road, will open up approximately 285 acres of undeveloped and underdeveloped industrially zoned land, improve access and connections to other modes of transportation for future businesses, and divert truck traffic from nearby residential streets.
The work also will serve as a pilot project for the Diesel Retrofit Program established by the State, which aims to reduce carbon emissions on construction vehicles. The program will be conducted in conjunction with the University of Rhode Island, which will help implement the plans and monitor the results.
Funding for the $6.6 million project will be provided by the Federal Highway Administration, the State of Rhode Island, the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the City of East Providence.
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Contact: Bryan Lucier 401-222-1362 x4012
DIRECTIONS: Take I-95 to I-195 East (Northbound: Exit 19; Southbound: Exit 20). Follow I-195 East for 1.5 miles and take Exit 6 to Route 44 East. Merge onto Route 44 East and turn left onto Walnut Street (located just prior to the Second Baptist Church). Drive .4 miles and turn left onto Waterman Avenue. Drive .1 miles and take the third left to remain on Waterman Avenue. Follow signage for parking.