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Arup selected to implement public infrastructure projects for a more resilient and vibrant Providence Riverwalk

Author

Ozgur Gungor

Americas Media Officer

New York

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americaspress@arup.com

+1 212 896 3000

Last updated: 13th November 2024

Global sustainable development consultancy Arup announced today its selection by the City of Providence to lead the design and engineering for the City’s Riverwalk Resilience project. The Arup team including Stimson and Inform Studio will help to realize the vision for this public investment in climate resilience, accessibility, economic growth, and sustainable placemaking for the Riverwalk and the center of downtown Providence.

The City of Providence and Arup will work to enhance the infrastructure that connects the urban trail network, improve safety, expand placemaking and programming opportunities, improve river water quality through green infrastructure, and protect the riverwalks and downtown core against flooding events. A robust public engagement process will be an integral part of the development and implementation of the project through regular consultations with all stakeholders and community members.

The revitalization of the Riverwalk is the initial component of the implementation of the Unified Vision for Downtown Public Spaces plan, led by Arup and completed in 2021. This larger initiative seeks to connect downtown Providence’s public space network and create a more accessible and vibrant city.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with Arup over the next two years as we advance our goals to make Providence safer and more resilient for generations to come," said Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley. "The City is poised to make bold investments that will address increasing challenges posed by sea-level rise, including more frequent and severe flooding. This work will also focus on creating ADA-compliant routes along the Riverwalk and Waterplace Park, addressing public safety concerns due to poor sight lines and limited access from surrounding streets, improving water quality by managing stormwater runoff, reinforcing the structural integrity of the Riverwalk walls, and enhancing accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians."

“Building on our previous work with the City of Providence, we feel intimately connected to the project’s mission to revitalize and rewild the waterfront in the heart of the urban downtown, while integrating the area into the city’s transportation network,” said Derek Anderson, Arup’s Project Manager. Arup’s Design Team Leader Alban Bassuet added “our team is excited to deliver a renewed destination on the water that not only serves the local community but also embodies its spirit.”