Federal Highway Official Joins Governor Carcieri to Open T.F. Green InterLink |
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Topics: Greg Nadeau
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Federal Highway Administration
October 27, 2010
FHWA 60-10
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Contact: Doug Hecox
Tel: 202-366-0660
New Multi-Modal Facility Will Serve as Hub for Commuters in Providence Area
PROVIDENCE - Federal Highway Deputy Administrator Greg Nadeau joined Gov. Donald Carcieri and other state and local officials today to open the T.F. Green Airport Interlink, one of the state's largest transportation projects. Designed to improve convenience for airport users, the facility connects airplanes, trains, buses and cars.
"Projects like the InterLink are making significant contributions all across America," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "By providing an alternative to driving on I-95 and surrounding roads and streets, this world-class facility will ease area traffic congestion, strengthen the airport's role as an economic hub for Rhode Island and improve convenience and safety for the thousands who rely on the airport each day."
The InterLink connects people with several options for getting where they need to go, including a consolidated rental car facility, serving both the airport and, later this year, MBTA commuter trains traveling between Providence, Warwick and Boston. It also provides for the area's first-ever connection between local bus service and the airport, rail service and rental cars.
The project's 1,200-foot-long Skywalk spans the airport's upper level and connects to the airport terminal at the third floor. It uses high-efficiency glass, heating and ventilation and light fixtures to help keep energy costs low.
The InterLink also features a six-level garage with 2,600 parking spaces and a fueling platform for rental cars. Pre-casting its nearly 3,500 concrete pieces in Connecticut and assembling them on site reduced construction time and improved the garage's overall quality.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provided $124.6 million in direct funding for the InterLink - formerly known as the Intermodal Facility - and the USDOT provided a $42 million loan from its Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program, totaling more than half of the project's $267 million cost. The remainder of the project's funds came from user fees and state matching grants and bonds.
"The Providence area will be well-served by the InterLink," said FHWA Deputy Administrator Nadeau. "It will allow residents to have many more transportation options at the airport."