The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today that it has awarded a contract to resurface the entire length of Route 37 between Natick Avenue in Cranston and Post Road in Warwick.
The project includes a $5.9 million contract awarded to D'Ambra Construction and a five percent budget contingency of $295,000. The project is scheduled to reach substantial completion in summer of 2016.
Crews will resurface 3 miles of on- and off-ramps along the 3.5-mile highway as part of the work, as well as make wheelchair ramp improvements at the off-ramps for Pontiac Avenue and Post Road.
"It's no mystery that businesses looking to relocate to Rhode Island will judge us on the condition of our transportation infrastructure," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. said. "Since joining this administration, I have made it a RIDOT priority to address long-standing issues like Route 37 and establish a bold, new direction that will build a stronger Rhode Island."
While work on Route 37 will take place during the day and overnight, at least two travel lanes will remain open during peak travel times Monday-Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. During all other times at least one lane will remain open, with some overnight closures and detours affecting the on- and off-ramps while paving is taking place. Daytime shoulder closures are possible this week as work gets underway.
The roadway, which was last resurfaced in 1988, carries approximately 35,000 vehicles per day. Route 37 is one of the few east-west highways in Rhode Island and connects two of the state's most populated communities, linking residential and commercial areas with two interstate highways and several major arterial routes.
According to the Federal Highway Administration in 2013, Rhode Island's interstate roadway network ranked ninth best in the country. When all arterials and freeways are added, Rhode Island's ranking falls to second worst nationwide.
To sign up for weekly updates on this and other active RIDOT projects taking place around the state, contact dot.customerservice@dot.ri.gov. Detour maps and travel restrictions will also be posted online at www.dot.ri.gov/travel, as well as on the department's Facebook (www.facebook.com/RIDOTNews) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/RIDOTNews) pages.
Schedule of work is subject to change; RIDOT will make every reasonable effort to accelerate work where possible.
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