Rhode less traveled

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) received a $750,000 project grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205), awarded on August 28, 2025, with a completion deadline of December 31, 2028. The project, titled "Rhode Less Traveled: Coordinating Infrastructure Renewal with Managed Retreat," addresses transportation infrastructure challenges in Rhode Island through coordinated planning and strategic adaptation. Under this award, RIDOT will deliver infrastructure renewal and resilience services that integrate managed retreat strategies—likely focusing on climate adaptation and hazard mitigation for transportation assets vulnerable to environmental pressures and natural hazards.

The FHWA's Highway Planning and Construction program supports eligible activities including highway preservation, infrastructure improvement, planning and engineering services, and environmental compliance. Given the project's explicit focus on coordinating infrastructure renewal with managed retreat, the grant likely funds preliminary engineering, planning studies, design services, and feasibility assessments to develop strategies that enhance transportation network resilience while optimizing infrastructure investments. RIDOT, as the state transportation agency and experienced federal grant administrator, will execute this project in coordination with state and local stakeholders to deliver actionable infrastructure strategies that support Rhode Island's long-term transportation and climate adaptation objectives.

Project description

A rhode less traveled coordinating infrastructure renewal with managed retreat: project manager: N. Johnson