EAST PROVIDENCE — Residents, specifically those directly affected, haven't reacted kindly to a traffic change made at the intersection of Pleasant Street and Pawtucket Avenue in the Rumford section of the city.

In response to the concerns of some homeowners in the area, elected and appointed officials decided to close off access to Pleasant Street where it meets Pawtucket Avenue by posting "Do Not Enter" signs.

The move essentially shut off the road to a handful of residents driving northbound from Pawtucket Avenue to Hood Avenue then to Miller Avenue.

The new traffic route was put into effect on Monday, May 8, and is supposed to be permanent.

The early commenters on The East Providence Post's Facebook page don't seem too keen on the decision, calling into question among other things its impact on the residents and who determined the change.

Among the FB responses, wrote Pleasant Street resident Tony Amaral, "How do I get in my driveway now..? Genius idea."

Public Works Director Steve Coutu, who department was charged with implementing the change, said as of mid-day Tuesday, May 9, he had yet to hear directly from residents about the switch, but was aware concerns were being expressed on social media and elsewhere.