Last evening, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Michael P. Lewis accepted the New England Railroad Club 2011 Presidents' Award for the InterLink. The InterLink is the intermodal station at T.F. Green Airport that provides a direct link to the Northeast Corridor and commuter rail service at T.F. Green Station.
The award was given jointly to RIDOT and its project partners, including the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC), Amtrak, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Back in June, RIDOT and RIAC were also honored with a national America's Transportation Award from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) for the construction of the InterLink.
The T.F. Green Station is part of the $267 million InterLink project for RIDOT and RIAC. The InterLink features a consolidated rental car facility, a bus hub for Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) buses, and a parking garage with spaces to accommodate 1,800 rental cars and 650 commuter vehicles.
Earlier this week, Governor Chafee, RIDOT and RIAC announced the expansion of commuter rail at the InterLink at T.F. Green Airport. The new schedule, which takes effect on Monday, November 14, 2011, nearly doubles the number of stops Monday through Friday on the Providence/Stoughton line.
A further extension of commuter rail service to Wickford Junction Station, close to Route 4 in North Kingstown, is expected in 2012. When this station opens, trains will continue further South to Wickford Junction from T.F. Green Station.
Established in 1883, the New England Railroad Club is dedicated to the sharing of information and knowledge pertaining to the design, construction and operations of railroads in the region. The Presidents' Award honors those that enhance railroad services in the region and that further contribute to the regional economy and quality of life.
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Contact: Heidi Gudmundson (401) 222-1362, Ext. 4009