QDC gets $3.88M to build overpass

NORTH KINGSTOWN – The U.S. Economic Development Administration has awarded $3.88 million to the Quonset Development Corporation (QDC) to continue the reconfiguration of Davisville Road, now known as the Commerce Park Connector. The work involves constructing an overpass to replace an at-grade rail crossing.
Officials say the project – funded with stimulus money – will provide easier and safer access to 156 acres of developable parcels. Officials at the QDC expect the work to create 31 construction jobs and say construction could start as early as January, weather permitting.
The work will include the addition of a 2,000-foot, two-lane roadway with a bridge over Davisville Road and Davisville Main Line, and connect Romano Vineyard Road and the Gateway with Commerce Park Road. The project also includes drainage work and the addition of six-foot shoulders to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.
The project drew praise from the state’s congressional delegation.
“During a recent visit to Quonset, I learned about the need for infrastructure improvements to connect both sides of the business park,” U.S. Rep. James R. Langevin said in a statement. “I voted for the recovery bill precisely so projects like this could create immediate construction jobs in Rhode Island, while making the area more attractive for businesses to set up shop and employ more people over the long term. I’m excited about the possibilities at Quonset, including its potential to become a hub for offshore wind development.”
In the same statement, both U.S. senators from Rhode Island hailed the project and cited it as proof the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is working.
“The recovery bill is about putting people to work and investing in our long term productivity,” said U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, who wrote a letter in support of QDC’s application in July. “This EDA grant will make Quonset an even more attractive location for business along with the rail and other infrastructure improvements I’ve secured over the years. These are tough economic times, but Quonset Park has helped us weather the storm and provides a natural location for future job growth.”
“This economic recovery funding will put Rhode Islanders to work and make a long-term investment in critical infrastructure for our Ocean State,” U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse added.