The Middletown Town Council wants to hear what residents and businesspeople think about a “road diet” for upper East Main Road.
“First floated last month by BikeNewport as a way to make the area north of Wyatt Road safer, the idea has triggered a range of responses since,” the Town of Middletown shares in a press release.
“Some say it would improve things dramatically better for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists alike, while others maintain it’s a nightmare of traffic, accidents and more in waiting, says the town.
Local leaders have shared that they want everyone to have a chance weigh in on the concept at the Town Council’s April 15 regular meeting at 6:30 pm in Town Hall. “That way, the area officials said they could make a fully informed, thoughtful decision and honor the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) deadline of April 19”.
“There are a lot of opinions out there and I certainly have mine,” council President Paul M. Rodrigues said in a statement. “But I’m just one voice here and hearing from our residents and businesses is an important part of this process. We want to make sure we’re as transparent and open with this — and everything — as we possibly can be.”
Regardless of what happens at the meeting Monday, RIDOT plans on resurfacing East Main Road north into Portsmouth.
BikeNewport presented a plan to the council—and community—at its March 4 session, calling for the “road diet.” As part of that concept, a center turn lane and a dedicated area for bicyclists would be installed. See https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/12128/BikeNewport for more.
According to the town, “After news articles appeared about the potential project, RIDOT sent a letter to the town, indicating it was not in favor of the “road diet” and the problems that could occur”.
See https://www.middletownri.com/DocumentCenter/View/12129/RIDOT-Diet for more.
Instead of making a decision about how to progress at its April 1, the council agreed that additional feedback was necessary.
Further Reading
One-lane road diet proposed for East Main Road
They tried this before in the 1970’s and it was a total failure. People don’t remember their mistakes.