I-195 project branded ‘Iway’

The I-195 relocation project was branded the “Iway” on Monday in order to positively position the project with the public and help the R.I. Department of Transportation communicate what will happen with the highway’s relocation, the department announced.

“The Iway brand will become the face of the I-195 relocation project and be a valuable asset for RIDOT,” said James R. Capaldi, DOT director. “The logo’s main graphic element is the bridge’s three arches that will soon change the skyline of Providence.”

After the branding announcement, Gov. Donald L. Carcieri and Capaldi watched the continued construction of the I-195 signature bridge, a tied-steel arch bridge that will ultimately carry I-195 over the Providence River.

“The I-195 relocation project takes an old, worn-out roadway and turns it into a welcome addition to the capital city,” said Carcieri. “Being able to see the signature bridge being built gives us a wonderful taste of what is yet to come.”

When completed, the Providence River Bridge will be 400 feet long, 80 feet high and 167 feet wide including the arches. The network arch span will sit 34 feet over the water and will weigh 5.5 million pounds. It is expected to be floated up the Providence River and secured in place in spring/summer 2006. The bridge will be open to traffic in fall 2007.

The signature span will cost $32 million while the entire bridge project will cost $65 million, according to the DOT.