Tackling the Aging East Side Tunnel: RIPTA's Costly Renovation Challenge

The 110-year-old bus tunnel connecting Providence's East Side to downtown is undergoing a major renovation, but the project has hit unexpected challenges that are driving up the costs and delaying the completion timeline. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is now facing a $7.5 million budget increase and a pushed-back completion date, as they work to address the structural issues uncovered during the repair process.

Uncovering the Tunnel's Hidden Troubles: A Costly Surprise for RIPTA

Unexpected Cracks and Leaks Complicate the Renovation

When RIPTA initially planned the East Side Tunnel renovation, they anticipated a $15.8 million project to address drainage, lighting, and other structural repairs. However, the agency's board of directors has now voted to allocate an additional $7.5 million to the project, bringing the total cost to $23.3 million. This unexpected increase is due to the discovery of extensive stress cracks and water seepage issues during the renovation process.According to RIPTA's interim CEO, Christopher Durand, the agency was aware of approximately 2,000 feet of cracks and leaks when the project began. But once the shotcrete (a type of high-speed concrete spray) was removed, the true extent of the damage was revealed, with the project team finding 10 times more cracks and leaks than initially anticipated. "When we took the shotcrete off, that let all the water through the cracks, the pressure was released," explained project manager Jack Plouffe. "It was pretty much raining in there."

Addressing the Structural Challenges: A Collaborative Effort

To prevent future cracks and leaks, RIPTA is working closely with Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, as both institutions own property atop the tunnel. The goal is to ensure that their drainage systems do not contribute to the tunnel's structural issues. Additionally, the project team has decided to forgo the use of shotcrete in the renovation, opting for a different approach to address the tunnel's needs.RIPTA's board chairman, Peter Alviti Jr., who also serves as the Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director, acknowledged the need for more thorough exploration before embarking on major projects to avoid unexpected cost increases. He described this request for additional funding as a "one-off" situation, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning to mitigate such challenges in the future.

Beating the Clock: Completing the Tunnel Repairs Before Winter

The East Side Tunnel is a crucial transportation link, serving six bus routes and sometimes emergency vehicles as a way to avoid the steep incline of College Hill. With the tunnel closed for renovations since March, RIPTA is working to complete the project before the onset of cold weather."This tunnel needs to be completed before the cold weather," said project manager Jack Plouffe. "You can't have those buses going around icy roads or snow." The initial September completion date has now been pushed to late October, as the agency focuses on addressing the unexpected structural issues.

Navigating RIPTA's Financial Challenges: Balancing Costs and Operational Needs

The East Side Tunnel renovation is just one of the many challenges RIPTA is facing as it navigates the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency has struggled to remain financially solvent, with a projected $18.1 million shortfall in its fiscal year 2025 budget. The state has allocated $15 million for RIPTA in that year, which is not enough to cover the agency's operational needs.To address these financial constraints, RIPTA must submit an operational analysis to the governor's office by March 1, 2025. This analysis will likely explore ways to optimize the agency's operations and identify potential cost-saving measures, all while ensuring the continued provision of essential public transportation services to the community.Despite the financial hurdles, RIPTA remains committed to completing the East Side Tunnel renovation, recognizing it as a critical investment in the region's transportation infrastructure. As the project progresses, the agency will continue to navigate the unexpected challenges and work towards a successful outcome that will benefit the community for years to come.