Providence Mayor Takes A Pass On State Project Request

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza is dismissing a directive from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to stop a road upgrade project in a busy part of town.

RIDOT asked for the pause on the work on South Water Street over concerns whether it was compliant with an agreement on using federal reconstruction funds from 1999.

RIDOT made the request after local business owners directed their concerns to the state about the project, which has narrowed motor vehicle traffic to one lane while expanding a bicycle lane.

Elorza called the transportation department's cease-and-desist request, quote, "dubious at best."

(Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)


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