NORTH SMITHFIELD – Three local lawmakers issued a joint statement of concern this week over the future traffic situation on Smithfield Road (Route 146A) along the North Smithfield/Woonsocket border as a result of the planned Nasuti Elementary School. They are asking RIDOT for assistance with planned future traffic mitigation.
State Representatives Brian Newberry, of North Smithfield and Burrillville, Jon Brien, of Woonsocket and North Smithfield, and Stephen Casey, of Woonsocket, issued the statement.
“While it is good the children of Woonsocket will be getting a brand new school, residents in both towns, not just those in the heavily residential areas nearby but anyone who regularly drives that very busy route, including all three of us, have expressed concerns for some time now about the expected traffic the new school will introduce,” they said.
“In the past, Barry Field was only busy during sporting events, and it was a manageable problem,” they added. “With the influx of traffic, we are very concerned that proper traffic plans be implemented so as not to cause chaos, especially during pick up and drop off times.
“We hope RIDOT has been consulted and has plans in place and are respectfully asking for their input. Residents are also encouraged to express their concerns. The school is going to happen. We need to make sure it happens thoughtfully, with commuter safety and strategic traffic patterns included in the plans.”
RIDOT spokesperson Charles St. Martin said they have been in contact with local officials and have provided information on the process of submitting a physical alteration permit application (PAPA) with a traffic study to detail the impact of the new school on the state road.
“The contractor for the municipalities involved in this construction has begun the PAPA process,” he said. “The level of traffic improvements needed will be based on RIDOT’s review of the information and plans received during the PAPA process.”
Additionally, he said, is customary with all developments along state roads, the costs associated with these traffic improvements will be paid for by the entity(s) constructing the development.
Finally, as part of the PAPA review for traffic control and safety devices on the state road, the State Traffic Commission will review these studies in an open meeting where the public may attend and comment.
Woonsocket Mayor Chris Beauchamp said they’ve been working on this pending situation for about six months with the schools, RIDOT, and with North Smithfield to partner with them to try to get everything needed done, knowing that the neighboring town is renovating its nearby police station.
He said they’re trying to get to a point of going out to bid on the project, and engineering people have been calling him on the package for engineering services to design the roadway.
The cost of this project is probably in the neighborhood of $3 million, said Beauchamp, and there’s currently no funding source.
“It’s all about building relationships,” he said of talks, noting the benefit of his relationships with RIDOT due to his past work in the asphalt paving business.
