Politics & Government

Tomasso Lauds Ongoing Route 3 Safety Improvements

The latest restriping project is following her request for a traffic study.

 

STATE HOUSE – After calling for a traffic study for the section of Route 3 that winds through West Greenwich last year, Rep. Lisa P. Tomasso (D – Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich) is proud to announce that the Rhode Island Department of Transportation is .

After garnering approval from West Greenwich officials last month and the Coventry Traffic Calming Committee this week, RIDOT is quickly moving forward with its plan to create a center turn lane on a section of Route 3 from Route 95 in West Greenwich to Harkney Hill Road in Coventry.

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Initially a wide four-lane roadway, a small portion of it will now become a narrower five-lane design to ensure that motorists will not live in fear of being rear-ended while waiting to turn, said Representative Tomasso. She also thanks Coventry Town Councilor Thaddeus Jendzejec, who created the Coventry Traffic Calming Committee to address traffic issues in the community, for his assistance in helping to secure local support for the restriping proposal. The move will benefit motorists traveling to and from West Greenwich and Coventry, as well as those utilizing the Route 95 ramps.

“The traffic study I requested last year showed that the average speed of motorists along that portion of Route 3 was far higher than it should have been,” the representative said. “That’s how serious accidents happen. Now, making room for that center turn lane will result a narrower, five-lane road. The purpose is two-fold, first, to naturally reduce the speed of those traveling through the area and second, to protect those wanting to turn in and out of the businesses and neighborhoods along the stretch.”

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 “I believe this was a necessary step up in safety for the residents of both West Greenwich and Coventry,” Representative Tomasso said. “Slowing down traffic will make travelers much more aware of their surroundings.”


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