The Newport City Council voted Wednesday to reverse the direction of traffic on Dixon Street, a narrow thoroughfare that has long been a source of concern for residents.
The resolution, introduced by Councilor David Carlin III, directs the city manager to take necessary steps to change Dixon Street from eastbound to westbound traffic flow.
Lynda Stevenson, a Dixon Street resident, presented a petition signed by about 65% of Dixon Street residents supporting the change. She also provided photos showing traffic backups, pedestrian safety hazards, and large vehicles mounting sidewalks to navigate turns.
City Manager Colin Kennedy cautioned that reversing Dixon Street’s direction could push traffic onto nearby Hammond Street. He suggested a comprehensive traffic study of the area might be preferable.
Councilor Carlin pushed for immediate action, stating, “These residents have been waiting three and a half years. I have heard from one resident of Hammond and I’m very much open to doing similar for them, but not tonight.”
Councilor Lynn Underwood Ceglie expressed concern about redirecting traffic from Bellevue Avenue down Dixon to Thames Street.
Bari Freeman, a local cyclist, raised concerns about the impact on bicycle traffic. “Dixon street is the number one east-west crossing for bikes,” she said. “It is the only safe crossing for bikes in the city.”
The council ultimately approved the resolution. Councilor Charlie Holder stated, “We need to do something. Try to figure out if to see if it works if it doesn’t work.”
The change is expected to be implemented soon, though no specific timeline was provided.
Resolution
