The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has awarded $750,000 in federal funding to make street upgrades along Bristol’s Revolutionary Heritage Byway (Rte. 114 from Warren to the Mt. Hope Bridge).

Administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, the National Scenic Byway funding is awarded to states to help protect and promote some of America’s most iconic roads that are scenic, historic, cultural, recreational, and help tell uniquely American stories.

The Revolutionary Heritage Byway route officially became a state byway in 2000 and, following the extensive development of a management plan, was selected by FHWA for federal National Scenic Byway designation in 2021.

The $750,000 in National Scenic Byway Program Support funding will join forces with a $1,000,000 US DOT Highway Infrastructure Program Grant and be used by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) in coordination with the Town to bring sections of Hope Street to a state of good repair with an improved design.

The project will include restoration of the seawall between Burnside Street and Summer Street, including the construction of a new scenic overlook of Bristol Harbor; new pavement surface; new sidewalks and ADA accessibility improvements along both shoulders between Walley Street and Summer Street, including the extension of sidewalk in front of Walley Park; improved bicycle access; repair or replacement of drainage systems and basins; and soil restoration and greenery improvements.

“Bristol is a distinctive destination…The Town has fostered a strong preservation ethic and this new federal funding will help Bristol make needed repairs while retaining local character, preserving history, and enhancing this storied, scenic roadway,” said Senator Reed.

“This federal funding will make necessary infrastructure improvements to the Revolutionary Heritage Byway, making Bristol more resilient to climate change and improving safety and accessibility in town,” said Senator Whitehouse. “I am pleased to help secure investments in Bristol’s infrastructure so Rhode Islanders can continue to enjoy the town’s history and charm for years to come.”

“We are very appreciative of the delegation’s efforts to direct federal funds to repair and improve the well-known seawall and sidewalk on Hope Street along Bristol harbor. The area greets visitors to Rhode Island and is a place for everyone to enjoy time at Bristol Harbor,” said Town Administrator Steven Contente.

However, when asked about an anticipated timeline for the work, Contente suggested it was not as close at hand as he would like. Despite the plans being in the works for many years, the State has not yet finalized a budget or a timeline. In fact, the town has made some of the repairs itself (such as the sidewalk on the east side of Hope Street between Burton and Walley Streets) despite the fact that 114 is a state road, and therefore, the state’s responsibility. “I know they are working on a design,” said Contente of the RIDOT. “I’m hoping that the project will move along, now that the Congressional delegation has put money on the table.”