R.I. buys Warwick building for DOT materials testing facility

WARWICK, R.I. -- The state has purchased a Warwick building to house the Rhode Island Department of Transportation's materials testing laboratory, Governor Chafee's office said Monday.

The state paid $2.3 million for the one-story building at 55 Colorado Ave., off Jefferson Blvd. The purchase of the 52,500-square-foot building was made with federal funds, said Christine Hunsinger.

The expectation is the DOT lab will be able to move from its current location in the agency's basement to the Warwick building in about 18 months, she said.