PROVIDENCE – Sen. Jack F. Reed announced $903,870 in federal funding for the R.I. Public Transit Authority to improve the East Side Bus Tunnel in Providence.
The tunnel, which was built in 1924 for streetcar use, is a 2,000-foot long concrete pass-through that sees nearly 1,680 buses weekly and serves 10 percent of RIPTA’s ridership. The tunnel runs east to west under College Hill, connecting Thayer Street to South Main Street. Police, fire and rescue vehicles also use the tunnel as necessary.
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“This federal funding is a down payment on upgrading this historic and heavily trafficked bus tunnel. The East Side Bus Tunnel is an important transit link for RIPTA riders, but its last major rehab project took place nearly 30 years ago. As we work to ensure it is in a good state of repair, we also should look at things like lighting and technology to ensure it operates as safely and efficiently as possible, and that is part of what RIPTA is focusing on right now,” said Reed in a statement Wednesday.
RIPTA noted that the tunnel is structurally sound, but requires repair due to water damage, as well as updated drainage and water mitigation systems. RIPTA is also considering upgrading lights and passenger amenities in the tunnel.
The agency is now entering the design phase of the project. Bids will be developed for phased work on the tunnel.
RIPTA said that cost estimates for tunnel repairs are not yet available. The authority said it will have a better assessment after the design work is completed and it has reviewed its long-term and short-term master plan objectives.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
