Henderson Bridge connecting East Providence, Providence will be replaced

Plan is fast-tracked after state receives additional federal funding

Posted 2/25/19

EAST PROVIDENCE — As part of an additional $54.5 million in federal funding the state will receive for infrastructure improvements, a plan to fast-track construction of a new span to replace the …

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Henderson Bridge connecting East Providence, Providence will be replaced

Plan is fast-tracked after state receives additional federal funding

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — As part of an additional $54.5 million in federal funding the state will receive for infrastructure improvements, a plan to fast-track construction of a new span to replace the Henderson Bridge connecting East Providence and the East Side of Providence was announced by officials at a press conference Monday, Feb. 25.

The first phase of construction will take the bridge down to one lane in each direction. It will also include 2,500 feet of separated bike/pedestrian path infrastructure. The smaller footprint will require less maintenance and will free up almost 33 acres for potential development and recreational use.

Additional funds of approximately $15.1 million for highway improvements are also in the bill. RIDOT will take some time to determine how these funds should be allocated. The first phase of the Henderson Bridge replacement is expected to now start in 2020, instead of a prior anticipated 2025 date, and create about 800 jobs. The state will be asked to match 20 percent of the project cost. The price tag for the new bridge is estimated to be $70 million.

U.S Senator Jack Reed, credited with earmarking the monies to the Rhode Island, was joined by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Representative Jim Langevin, U.S. Representative David Cicilline, Governor Gina Raimondo, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva, RIDOT Director Peter Alviti and Building Trades Council President Michael Sabitoni at the press event held at the Waterman Grille.

Senator Reed, the ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (THUD), successfully included a $475 million grant program in the fiscal year 2019 spending law that will provide funding to assist states with the highest percentage of bridge deck area in poor condition. As a result, Senator Reed estimates that Rhode Island will receive about $54.5 million to help finance its’ urgently needed bridge repairs.

Built in 1969, the Henderson Bridge is a 26-span, 2,000-foot bridge which carries vehicles over the Seekonk River from East Providence to Providence. By replacing this bridge, RIDOT will reduce its statewide structurally deficient bridge area by 12 percent.

Senator Reed said, "Bridges are about connecting communities, creating opportunities, and bringing people together. As the top Democrat on the Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, I have focused my efforts on addressing the single biggest transportation challenge we face in Rhode Island - our high percentage of structurally bridges."

He added, "I am pleased to have provided an additional infusion of federal dollars this year to address structurally deficient bridges and open new doors of economic opportunity and development. As a result, Rhode Island will receive a $54.5 million boost to help advance work on bridge upgrades likes this one. The federal government must be a reliable partner when it comes to infrastructure. America's economic success depends on the strength of our transportation network, public schools and energy and water systems. I will continue working to ensure the federal government does its part and wisely invests in these priorities."

The Henderson Bridge and Henderson Expressway were overbuilt as they were originally constructed as part of an unfinished highway. Approximately 20,000 vehicles cross it daily and there are six lanes. It has been rated as structurally deficient since 1996 when RIDOT first started keeping such records. As a result, RIDOT has spent $4 million over the last ten years on repairs to keep it safe. It has been load rated four times since 2010 due to the continual and increasing amounts of deterioration.

The two cities associated with this bridge, Providence and East Providence, held meetings to look at multimodal uses for this bridge and the expressway area. RIDOT will work with both cities to ensure the best use of space as the project moves forward.

"We are truly grateful to Senator Jack Reed for his leadership in being able to secure the funds to bring much needed improvements to the Henderson Bridge, which will create better access to Waterfront Drive and our waterfront as a whole," Mayor DaSilva said. "The transformation of Henderson Bridge not only fortifies the collaboration between two cities, but also allows residents of the state and the region to benefit from what will be a destination spot for generations to come."

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