RIDOT amending transportation plan, expects spending to grow $358.7M over 10 years

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Transportation has submitted an amended Statewide Transportation Improvement Program plan, which includes a projected spending increase of $358.7 million, or 6% over 10 years.

The STIP plan, including 496 changes to the most recent version of the document, will be reviewed by the Transportation advisory Committee. The changes are necessary to achieve a 90% bridge sufficiency rating by 2025, RIDOT said.

The 10-year STIP is updated annually as mandated by RhodeWorks. By its end, the program is expected to have replaced 150 bridges, and repaired or rehabilitated more than 500 bridges statewide.

The proposed spending increase expects to include funding from federal, state and bond sources.

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RIDOT said that the amendments include changes to the scopes of individual projects, changes to schedules for projects and amended project costs, based on the most recent data and projections.

The changes also include a reduction of funding for its Transportation Alternatives Program – reducing its funding by $12.8 million over 10 years.

The funding decrease in TAP funding is offset by a $20 million a year allotment for bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

The plan includes $125.9 million more in GARVEE funds related to the replacement of the Interstate 95 Viaduct, and $118.8 million more in GARVEE bond debt servicing.

There was also $61.6 million allocated to RhodeWorks toll facilities.

The plan also reduces the Pavement Capital Program by $61 million over 10 years.

Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor. You may reach him at Bergenheim@PBN.com.