Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Michael P. Lewis will join Newport officials to tour America's Cup Avenue, where a second phase of pedestrian and bike safety improvements is scheduled to begin this fall. The first phase, completed in 2012, upgraded bike and pedestrian facilities throughout downtown Newport; this next phase, designed in close collaboration with local officials, will bring needed enhancements to existing facilities along America's Cup and Memorial Boulevard as well as introduce several new features.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 1 p.m.
WHERE: Tour begins at Perrotti Park, Newport
The project, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2015, is part of RIDOT's RI*STARS program. Projects identified under RI*STARS are affordable ways to significantly enhance roadway safety in a community. Among the improvements scheduled are five new crosswalks that will be installed along America's Cup Avenue (Barking Crab, Brick Market Place, and Market Square) and Memorial Boulevard (Spring and Thomas Streets).
Other enhancements scheduled for the area include accessible pedestrian signals, wheelchair ramps, upgraded curbing, improved signing and striping at crosswalks, and new bike lanes. America's Cup Avenue from Bridge Street to Memorial Boulevard, and Memorial Boulevard from America's Cup Avenue to Thomas Street, will be resurfaced and travel lanes will be narrowed.
Local officials, including Representative Peter Martin who sponsored the 2012 Complete Streets legislation, worked with RIDOT throughout the project's design. Rhode Island's Complete Streets Law requires that all federal- and state-funded road construction projects must equally consider motor vehicles, bicyclists, public transportation, and pedestrians.
Contact: Rose Amoros (401) 222-1362, Ext. 4450