The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) announced today that the InterLink at T.F. Green Airport in Warwick has received an America’s Transportation Award for the construction of the $267 million transportation hub.
The InterLink earned its award in the Innovative Management category, which recognizes creative transportation solutions that improve the movement of people, goods and services, and that enhance community life. The new facility, which includes a 1,200-foot-long Skywalk that stretches over Post Road, connects the State’s only international airport to a consolidated rental car facility, a commuter train platform serviced by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), and a bus hub for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA).
“We are honored to receive this award along with our partners at the Rhode Island Airport Corporation,” RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said. “Bringing this project together was truly a team effort, and this facility will be a key asset in our State’s economic recovery.”
The Skywalk and rental car facility opened to the public on October 27, 2010, with MBTA commuter rail service following soon after on December 6, 2010. The overall project consisted of four major areas of construction and is estimated to have generated more than $127 million in annual economic impact – $43 million of that from construction wages alone.
“We are proud to be recognized for our collaborative efforts to bring the InterLink transportation hub online. The connection across the various modes of transportation gives commuters and travelers more convenient options, and in addition has a positive environmental impact to both the local and State roadways,” said Kevin A. Dillon, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.
The InterLink will now compete with other regional winners to be nominated for the Grand Prize and People’s Choice Awards. Both awards carry a $10,000 prize that can be used by the winning state for an education grant in a transportation field, or to support a community project or charity.
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Contact: Bryan Lucier 401-222-1362 x4012