RI gets $10M for I-95 viaduct repair

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island is getting $10 million in federal funds to help renovate a critical stretch of Interstate 95 that runs past downtown Providence.
   
The state's four-member congressional delegation announced the funding for the Viaduct Bridge Project on Tuesday. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
   
Rhode Island's transportation department and members of the delegation have been pushing for federal money to replace the bridge. It was built in 1964 and has a volume of more than 160,000 vehicles a day.
   
The estimated repair cost ranges from $140 million to $177 million.
   
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed says funding is limited, but this award is a good first step and puts the project on the right track.
   
Without this new funding, delegation members have said the bridge's replacement would be delayed, possibly leading to lane closures, disruptive detours or weight restrictions.
   
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood visited Providence earlier this year to see the Viaduct and supports the project.