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In the 1960s the Pell Bridge and Interchange were completed, however the Route 138 northbound approach was never completed, which would have connected Newport to Route 24 in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Then between 2001 through 2008, the Rhode Island Office of Statewide Planning identified the Aquidneck Island Travel Corridor as a major travel corridor of statewide significance. Long-range goals were established to the year 2020 including:
The Project was reactivated with the Aquidneck Island Transportation Study (AITS) in 2009 and then again in 2017 with the City of Newport's economic plan to create an "Innovation District".
Traffic volumes on the Aquidneck Island bridges and roadways have increased significantly over the past 40 years. This traffic increase is attributable to many factors, including more households spread among different locations on the Island, increasing levels of automobile ownership, changing commuting patterns, and increased tourism. Safety continues to be a major concern of the Island community. These concerns were elevated following several pedestrian fatalities along Island roadways caused in part by the increasing difficulty in safely crossing major streets.
The purpose of the proposed improvements is to:
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The Project Needs include:
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The primary components of RIDOT's proposed project include:
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How we will build itThe project is divided into two phases:
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We will remove the existing asphalt beyond the curb line to eventually repave and tie in the new infrastructure we’re building at this project, including driveways and adjacent parking lots. Motorists can anticipate left lane closures and driveways/walkways blocked on JT Connell Highway, from the Route 138 overpass to Van Zandt Avenue, Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note: access will remain to all businesses through at least one driveway. We’ll also have alternating lane closures to adjust utility structures on Halsey Street, from JT Connell Connector to Admiral Kalbfus Road, during the same time period. Crews are also expected along the shoulders with frequent vehicle access in/out of the work zones in a moving operation to pull fiber optic cable, Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. This operation will take place on America’s Cup Avenue, from Poplar Street to Farewell Street and Farewell Street, from America’s Cup Avenue to Van Zandt Avenue. |
Click here for the latest lane closure information |