The Town of Middletown is working on several different solutions to address speeding and traffic on Paradise Avenue, a road that is a major route for drivers in the summer and a popular route for pedestrians and cyclists when riding their bikes around the Sachuest Beaches.
The town has recently installed speed cushions in two locations on Paradise Avenue. These are temporary cushions that are designed to slow down drivers. They are located before the intersection with Prospect Avenue and where the Maidford River crosses under the road. The cushions will be removed next month. The town is looking for a more permanent solution to address the problem.
Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown acknowledges residents’ concerns about traffic and speeding, which can also create safety concerns for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
The town has tried different solutions in the past, including installing speed tables on Chase’s Lane behind Middletown Plaza, which worked to slow down drivers and prevent them from speeding through the area. A permanent solution is expected to be implemented in the near future. Middletown is urging drivers to remember that speed limits are in place for a reason and it’s important to remember when you’re behind the wheel.
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PARADISE AVENUE SPEEDING & TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS IN THE WORKS
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (SEPTEMBER 9, 2024) – Middletown is working to address speeding and traffic on Paradise Avenue.
Recently, the town installed temporary “speed cushions” in two locations on a trial basis on the scenic two lane stretch between the Sachuest Beaches and Green End Avenue.
Town officials said the cushions will be removed next month as the community looks for a more permanent solution to try to slow traffic during the summer beach season and make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
“We’ve heard our residents and their concerns,” Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said. “This is something we want to make sure we get right without adversely impacting the neighborhood and what makes it a special place. But everyone should know the conversation is continuing and it will be addressed.”
Police Chief Anthony Pesare agreed.
“We’ve beefed up our patrols in the area and other parts of Middletown to help slow down traffic,” Pesare said. “We want people to remember that our speed limits are in place for a reason and it’s important for everyone to remember when you’re behind the wheel.”
Over the past several months, the town has tried different options to address the speed and volume of traffic on Paradise, particularly during the summer months.
That’s when the road becomes an entryway from the north for motorists on their way to and from the beaches. Residents have complained that sometimes, the traffic is snarled and during others, it turns into a raceway.
Under the current configuration, there’s a large portable message board by the intersection of Paradise, Green End and Berkeley avenues, informing motorists of the speed cushions. Orange cones have also been placed at the intersection to slow those coming onto Paradise down.
The location of the speed cushions has also been marked with signs for those approaching in both directions.
Heading south, one is situated before the intersection with Prospect Avenue. The other is further south near where the Maidford River crosses under the road.
Brown said those spots were chosen specifically based on the results of a PARE Engineering study of the road and potential solutions.
On a recent evening, the speed cushions seemed to be making a positive difference with the cars on the road. As each vehicle approached, it slowed before going over the speed cushions and did not appear to accelerate when traveling away.
The town has employed permanent “speed tables” in other locations to help with persistent speeding and safety concerns, most successfully on Chase’s Lane behind Middletown Plaza.
Neighbors had complained the road was a cut through for Naval Station Newport and Naval Undersea Warfare Center traffic. But those issues largely dissipated once the two “speed tables” and other traffic calming measures were completed in 2020.
“Traffic and speeding is one of those issues those issues that impacts everyone,” Brown said. “Besides being a safety concern, what happens on our roads can create concerns with everything from quality of life to our economy, so it truly is that important.”
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
