I-195 commission agrees to cover up to $2M for pedestrian bridge

PROVIDENCE – The I-195 Redevelopment District Commission on Aug. 15 agreed to spend up to $2 million to help the state finance construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Providence River to connect its development parcels.

The bridge project is the responsibility of the R.I. Department of Transportation, which had set aside $13.2 million for the span. But bids for the work came in significantly higher than the estimated amount. They ranged from $16.9 million to $21.7 million, according to a DOT spokesman.

Responding to questions from commission members who expressed concern about additional cost overruns on the bridge construction, Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor and commission Chairman Joseph F. Azrack said they expected the final contract with the builder would be a guaranteed maximum price agreement, in which any cost overruns would be absorbed by the builder.

Funds provided by the commission will come from two sources. One would involve an assessment paid by the purchaser of Parcel 42, a 1.08-acre sliver of land that fronts Parcel 4, the proposed 5-acre district park that is the downtown landing for the pedestrian bridge.

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The second option could require the future purchaser of Parcel 42 to pay for park improvements, which would otherwise be covered by the commission, according to Azrack. •

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