Dive Brief:
- Rhode Island officials have revealed the new $400 million design that will replace a Providence interchange on the state's "most traveled expressway," according to Equipment World.
- Officials said the new system at the junction of Route 10 and Route 6 will increase safety and traffic flow, as well as expand development opportunities in the area.
- The Rhode Island Department of Transportation said it would officially solicit contractors for the project in January and start construction late next year.
Dive Insight:
Rhode Island Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said the updated 6/10 incorporates the latest in urban design, provides better options for cyclists, increases mobility in the area and improves connectivity among neighborhoods.
Many U.S. highways and interstates are overwhelmed by increased traffic, and metro areas have their own plans to address the related issues. Last month, Orange County, CA, issued the state's biggest design-build contract in its history for a $1.2 billion expansion of Interstate 405. This is also the first project to utilize the design-build method under a new state law allowing it to be used on highway projects.
On an even scale, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) began construction on the first phase of a $6 billion, 40-year North Coast Corridor initiative near San Diego. Officials said the project would increase connectivity with three cities to the north of San Diego and would improve traffic and the environment along the route. The first portion of the project — $700 million — will lay the groundwork for a program of additional carpool lanes, bridges and rail infrastructure.
Virginia is also getting in on the surface transportation improvement game courtesy of a $165 million grant from the federal government. The funds will go toward a $1.4 billion revamp of Interstate 95, an expansion of Virginia Railway Express and Amtrak services, as well as bridge repairs and increased bus service.
