Transportation 2035 - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

December 2012TREAD WATERThere are many projects in the TIP (Highway and Enhancements especially) which have been there for years and are continuallydeferred due to lack of funds. This scenario provides for enough funding to complete these projects, and also provides forsustainable bridge and pavement management schedules. The Routes 6 / Route 10 project, currently estimated at $300 million,can be programmed. Most major highway projects already in the pipeline can be completed. RIPTA service is maintained at2007 levels including the ferry. Most importantly, this scenario breaks the debt financing cycle and shifts state personnel costsaway from the federal program to state funds. This scenario is considered to be the “bare minimum” of where we need to be.SWIMIn order to improve the overall condition and capacity of the transportation system, some expansion of all modes must occur.This scenario makes progress on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and increases bus service. Bus service is expanded incorridors in which the greatest VMT savings can be achieved. It provides commuter rail along the Northeast Corridor (Westerlyto Pawtucket and points between), Aquidneck Island, and widens certain congested segments of I-95 and I-295. It also providesstartup funds for a desperately needed local assistance program. The end result is that mobility is enhanced and the state is ona path toward forward progress.The Tread WaterScenario provides fortimely maintenance ofinfrastructure andbreaks ourunsustainable debtcycle.The Swim Scenarioprovides for targetedexpansion and overallimprovement in thecondition of theinfrastructure.WIN THE RACEThe term “Play to Win” is used by the Rhode Island Economic Policy Council to describe what the state must do not only tocompete and keep afloat, but to “win.” This provides the infrastructure that will carry Rhode Island successfully through at leastthe first half of the 21 st century. Included in this scenario are Providence streetcars, major bridges retrofitted for bicycleaccommodation, and commuter rail in the Blackstone Valley. I-95 is widened to the Connecticut border. Bus service is expandedto more rural communities. RIPTA will implement a new model of human services transportation in cooperation with the townsthat is based on the Flex Service model and runs 1-5 days per week. All communities have stable state aid for local roads.Congestion is reduced and air quality improves. The walkable and livable communities as envisioned in the State’s Land Use Plancan be realized. This scenario is highly desirable, but carries a hefty price tag.The Win the Racescenario achieves thevision of the state’sland use plan, providesreal choice and modaldiversity, andmaintains economiccompetitiveness forfuture generations.The table below summarizes transportation needs for the four scenarios by program area. A more detailed table which contains notes and assumptions isincluded in the Appendix.Transportation 2035 (2012 Update)State Guide Plan Element 611Rhode Island Statewide Planning ProgramPage 2-17