The Quonset Business Park is New England’s leading engine of economic growth, with more than 14,800 people coming to work there at 252 companies every day.
Strategically located on Narragansett Bay and just minutes from the I-95 corridor, Quonset is also home to a state airport and a rail system. This multimodal transportation network offers convenient access by sea, land, air and rail and is key to Quonset’s success.
To maintain this world-class access and achieve the goals in my RI 2030 Plan, we continue to upgrade Quonset’s infrastructure. The Port of Davisville, Rhode Island’s only public port, is currently undergoing $234.5 million in upgrades, creating new berthing space and adding 50 years to the port’s service life. We also recently added a new connector rail line and rail yard to maximize rail transportation efficiency for Quonset businesses and their customers.
Now, with support from the state’s congressional delegation, the State of Rhode Island is improving highway access to the Business Park, and inside it, as well. Recently, we broke ground on the “Missing Move” project that will build new freeway connections making it easier than ever for people to get to work and for companies to move freight.
New ramps on I-95 will allow commuters from the south to reach the business park without getting off the interstate and back on the highway. This new connection will also allow access for those headed south on I-95, while reducing congestion for drivers on local roads.
Just as important are three new ramps on R.I. Rte. 403, the main artery that provides easy access to Quonset. Unfortunately, however, R.I. Rte. 403 does not provide a convenient connection to a busy section of the park known as West Davisville.
Traveling to West Davisville currently requires drivers to navigate local streets through a residential area with several stoplights. Implementing this new highway connection will make it easier, faster and safer to reach all sections of the business park, while reducing traffic and noise for Quonset’s neighbors. Taking passenger vehicles, heavy trucks and other freight traffic off local roads will also reduce vehicle emissions.
This portion of the project is estimated to be completed in 2026.
Overall, improved access will make the business park more attractive to companies who wish to locate here and create a more convenient commuting experience for people who work at Quonset.
Closing the “Missing Move” gap is a smart infrastructure investment that strengthens Quonset’s role as a regional leader in economic growth and development. We look forward to seeing this important project completed.
It’s yet another example of Rhode Island’s commitment to creating good-paying jobs through projects that will deliver lasting benefits for generations to come.
Dan McKee is the governor of Rhode Island, Providence, R.I.