In recent months, the sounds and sights of construction crews, utility trucks and workers have been present on the streets of Providence. Many necessary and long overdue road and utility repair projects are underway on major commercial corridors in our capital city.
In early May, we launched the Providence Road Improvement Project, kicking off the most comprehensive road improvement project our city has seen in many years. In the coming years, we will rebuild and repair approximately 65 miles of roads in Providence, many of them major, commercial corridors.
The road improvement project represents a big step forward for Providence. I know, just as our city residents and businesses know, that we could not afford to wait any longer to make this important investment in our city's infrastructure.
This work will help us build a more livable city, easing the commute of nearly every city resident, while providing all of our residents and businesses with a modern infrastructure to help encourage Providence's economic growth. The project is also creating hundreds of jobs.
Work is also being done by the Narragansett Bay Commission, Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Providence Water Supply Board, and Rhode Island Public Transit Authority. We will have a stronger and safer city when all of this work is completed - with smooth roads, accessible sidewalks, attractive bus shelters, more responsive bus routes,and increased pedestrian and bicycle safety.
For small businesses located on commercial corridors where construction is occurring, we know that customer traffic can be impacted. The city of Providence is working closely with the Narragansett Bay Commission, Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Providence Water Supply Board, and Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to minimize the impacts of construction on small businesses.
The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates nearly 99% of all business is small business. They are the beating heart of our city's economy. Ultimately, these necessary infrastructure projects occurring across our city will ensure that commerce continues to thrive in every neighborhood in Providence.
Angel Taveras is the mayor of Providence.