The Rhode Island DOT (RIDOT) along with state officials this week celebrated the completion of much-needed roadway and pedestrian safety improvements along Old Tower Hill Road in Wakefield.
The $3.9 million project—which finished on budget and one month ahead of schedule—resurfaced 0.5 miles of badly deteriorated roadway from the Route 1 interchange to the intersection with Route 108 (Kingstown Road), known locally as Dale Carlia Corner.
In addition to resurfacing, the project made several safety improvements with a focus on pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety. These included upgrading traffic signals, installing new curbing, and wider, ADA-compliant sidewalks, adding crosswalks and adding a bike lane in both directions. RIDOT also added median islands to better control traffic flow in and out of businesses in the corridor.
As part of the project, RIDOT included on-site stormwater treatment systems called bio-retention basins. They were installed within the sidewalks that were widened as part of the project to accommodate the new system. The bio-retention basins will reduce pollution from stormwater, especially when the initial volume of runoff from a rainstorm enters the drainage system (when the level of contaminants is highest).
"The project is a beautiful addition to the Wakefield business district, and not only makes it safer for drivers, walkers, and bikers in this corridor, but helps us make strides in meeting our obligations to reduce stormwater pollution from our roads," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. said in a statement.
The Old Tower Hill Road Improvement Project was made possible by RhodeWorks, RIDOT's ongoing commitment to repair structurally deficient bridges and bring Rhode Island's transportation infrastructure into a state of good repair, promote economic development, and create jobs.
According to the latest TRIP analysis of FHWA data, Rhode Island's overall road conditions are highly alarming, with 55% of state roads considered to be in poor condition and 24% of state roads considered to be in mediocre condition.
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SOURCE: Rhode Island DOT
