City Council proposes temporary traffic changes to Summit Street in East Providence

Posted 4/23/15

EAST PROVIDENCE — Motorists used to traveling Summit Street as a means of accessing Interstate 195 at peak hours will need to adjust to an experimental traffic pattern starting either Monday, April 27, or Tuesday, April 28.

Following a …

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City Council proposes temporary traffic changes to Summit Street in East Providence

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — Motorists used to traveling Summit Street as a means of accessing Interstate 195 at peak hours will need to adjust to an experimental traffic pattern starting either Monday, April 27, or Tuesday, April 28.

Following a lengthy and at times confusing discussion spurred by Ward 2 representative Helder Cunha, whose district covers the area, the City Council agreed to temporary restrictions on the heavily trafficked street that serves as the main point of egress to the I-195 westbound ramp for drivers from the Rumford section of the city as well as those from just across the state line in nearby Seekonk.

As of early next week, the Department of Public Works/Highway Division in conjunction with the East Providence Police Department will attempt to disperse cars to other nearby roadways, including Waterfront Drive.

Public Works Director Steve Coutu said he plans on posting new signage to help assist drivers as well as tripods with "Do Not Enter" placards at the intersections of Summit and Waterman Avenues (across of the Red Bridge Tavern) as well as at Cross and North Brow Streets. The goal is encourage motorists entering the area from Massasoit Avenue to use alternate routes to I-195, Mr. Coutu explained. EPPD Chief Chris Parella said members of his Traffic Division will be on duty patrolling the area for the morning and afternoon traffic rushes.

Mr. Cunha was responding to the concerns of Summit Street residents, who have long sought relief from the seemingly constant convoy of cars.

At different points during the discussion, which included homeowners in the area, talk included the possibility of making Summit a one way completely or at specific times of the day. Mr. Cunha even suggested a permanent barrier be placed the end of Summit at Valley Street where the 195 on-ramp begins as a way of alleviating the situation.

Mr. Coutu, Chief Parella and East Providence Fire Chief Oscar Elmasian each expressed reservations with the suggestions. Mr. Coutu noted closing Summit entirely would just filter traffic to Walnut and Anthony Streets, which run perpendicular, thus only shifting the problem to other residents. Chief Parella noted one way streets tend to encourage higher rates of speed, increasing safety concerns. Chief Elmasian questioned the ability of his personnel to access the street and if there were any liability issues if a fire truck or rescue was involved in an accident with a civilian.

In the end, however, the three department heads agreed to the temporary terms. The administrators are supposed to return to the May 5 Council meeting to discuss the findings of the experiment and determine if any changes are needed.

changes, Interstate 195, Summit Street, traffic

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