This will be the first major renovation to the two-lane, 1,800ft (549m) East Side Tunnel in 20 years years. Repairs will include drainage work, roadway safety upgrades and improvement to reflective lighting and signage to reduce the risk of equipment damage and more clearly restrict access to non-RIPTA vehicles and pedestrians. The funds will also be used to design and upgrade the east and west portal areas to make them safer and more convenient for passenger access.
"Public transportation is critical to our economy and downtown Providence is a major transportation gateway," said Senator Jack Reed. "These federal funds will help renovate the East Side Tunnel and make capital improvements to Kennedy Plaza and the train station to ensure the system is safer, more integrated, and more reliable."
Charles Odimgbe, CEO of RIPTA, added: "These grants enable RIPTA to actively improve access to transit for all passengers. This funding will allow us to update and develop intermodal connections to the Providence Train Station — a key component of the state’s mobility infrastructure. With updates to the East Side Tunnel, RIPTA will be better able to provide passengers with safe, quality transportation and improved amenities. Many thanks to Senator Reed and the Rhode Island congressional delegation for helping us improve public transportation."
