The Newport City Council approved a resolution on Wednesday night to improve traffic safety on Admiral Kalbfus Road. The changes include restriping the road to create 10-foot travel lanes and 5-foot bike lanes with buffers.
Councilor Angela Lima explained, “We’ve been working with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for over a year to get more safety measures in place.”
The approved plan includes several key changes:
- Upgrading traffic signals at Admiral Kalbfus and Hillside Avenue intersection
- Adding “No Turn on Red” signs at this intersection
- Installing speed and red-light cameras
- Putting in a flashing beacon at the Sagamore Street crosswalk
- Limiting the weight of vehicles allowed on Admiral Kalbfus Road
Lima pointed out that the three most recent major car accidents on this road happened during school hours.
Until these changes are in place, the city will work with Newport Public Schools to add another crossing guard at Admiral Kalbfus Road and Sagamore Street.
Lima noted that the council and community need to keep pushing for these changes, as the plan still needs approval from the State Traffic Commission.
Mayor Xay praised the Lima’s efforts, saying, “Your work really deserves credit. Things often change quickly, and we’re often told at the state level that more studies are needed.”
Admiral Kalbfus Resolution
