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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On Sunday night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., we’ll be striping on Admiral Kalbfus Road, JT Connell Highway, America’s Cup Avenue, and the shared use path. Weekdays, with no formal lane closures anticipated, we’ll continue sitewide efforts to finish programming traffic cabinets, replacing two existing lighting cabinets, and performing fiber optic line testing, landscaping, and signage work. |
| Click here for the latest lane closure information |