Mayor Smiley announces plan to reduce traffic congestion

Madison Crowley,

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Mayor Brett Smiley announced today Providence’s plan to reduce traffic congestion and alleviate the burden of the Washington Bridge closure.

Due to the increased travel times since the closure of the bridge, drivers are rerouting their highway travel to the city’s streets.

The city shared that the increase in cars across the neighborhoods has prompted the City to make necessary adjustments for pedestrian safety.

These changes will expedite the flow of traffic and increase the pedestrian cross time.

Over the coming weeks, the City, alongside RIDOT, will make further improvements to help reduce traffic congestion throughout the city’s grid.

Some of these improvements include:

  • Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB)
  • “Do Not Block the Box” signs installed at select locations
  • Raised crosswalk installation at select locations
  • New signage to better alert drives to pedestrian crossings at multiple locations
  • Removal of unnecessary detour signs
  • Refreshing existing pavement markings
  • Removal of the two-way bike path

Additionally, the City and State have changed traffic light times at the following locations:

  • Eddy Street
  • Point Street
  • Allens Avenue
  • John J. Partington Way
  • Dave Gavitt Way

Furthermore, Mayor Smiley announced a weight limit ordinance throughout neighborhood roads in order to maintain pedestrian safety.

All local deliveries, emergency vehicles, school busses, RIPTA busses, utility, City, State and vendor trucks will be exempt from the weight limit ordinance.

Commercial vehicles should be prepared to present work order information when traveling the city’s streets.

Part of this mitigation plan also includes the removal of the two-way protected bike path along Water Street.

The bike path will temporarily be moved to the sidewalk, which will allow for two lanes of vehicular travel.

Permanent design plans to separate walkways from bike lanes are currently in discussion.

On Monday, April 8, Mayor Smiley will hold a meeting at Nathan Bishop Middle School regarding the impact of the closure of the Washington Bridge has had on Providence businesses and neighborhoods.

Community engagement meetings will also be held throughout the Summer.

Categories: News, Rhode Island

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