The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) has confirmed that it will receive a $17M Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the dehumidification project for the Mount Hope Bridge.

“This project is essential, and we appreciate the support from the US Department of Transportation and our federal delegation to secure these funds,” said Lori Caron Silveira, RITBA Executive Director. "Dehumidifying the Mount Hope Bridge cables and anchorages is essential to arresting the corrosion of the individual wires in the cables and we are excited to bring this technology to our nearly 100-year-old bridge. We are confident that it will help to extend the life of this landmark by 50 to 75 years."

“This $17 million federal grant is a smart investment in helping to keep the Mount Hope Bridge resilient and in good working order as it approaches its 100-year anniversary and will put people to work in good-paying jobs in the construction trades,” said Senator Jack Reed. “It is about time that the Trump Administration released its unnecessary hold on these already awarded funds. Senator Whitehouse has been a longtime champion of making smart investments in the resiliency of our bridges and infrastructure, particularly for the Mount Hope Bridge, and I was pleased to work with him on this project. This federal funding is another step in ensuring this iconic bridge’s safety and soundness for generations to come.”

“I helped create the PROTECT Program to invest in resiliency upgrades across the Ocean State and to build infrastructure adapted to the realities of climate change. And as Ranking Member on the Environment and Public Works Committee, I worked across the aisle to keep this funding flowing to Rhode Island,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “The majestic and historic Mount Hope Bridge is a gem, and I am very pleased that this investment will allow it to stay online for decades more.”

"The Mount Hope Bridge is an historic landmark and a key thoroughfare in the First Congressional District, helping connect the communities of the East Bay and Aquidneck Island for commuters to get to work and for visitors to explore our state," said Congressman Gabe Amo. "I'm grateful to work with my Congressional colleagues and our state and local partners to get this done. We're delivering for Rhode Islanders and ensuring that the Mount Hope Bridge gets the restoration it needs to remain safe and open for generations to come."

RITBA completed cable air flow testing last year as part of the Mount Hope Dehumidification Project, which is part of a multi-year project. The cable and anchorage dehumidification technology that RITBA is using has been successfully employed in other major bridges in the U.S., such as the Delaware Memorial Bridge and the South Tenth Street Bridge in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The dehumidification project is also being funded by $10M in Congressional Directed Spending, secured by Senator Jack Reed and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.