WOONSOCKET – The longtime troublesome traffic situation on Mendon Road at Leo Savoie Elementary School has improved, says Public Works Director Steve D’Agostino, and there’s more to come.
D’Agostino said officials have received no complaints recently, and that there has been real improvement on the speeding situation since new flashing lights and crosswalk signage was installed. An increased police presence has also functioned to slow traffic, he added.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is still planning some additional lighting and signage enhancements along the roadway, likely after the school year is over this summer, said D’Agostino.
Staff and families Savoie on Mendon Road have repeatedly complained about the speeding situation outside the school on this main road, saying a new apartment complex coming across the street will make it more dangerous. They have cited numerous crashes here, saying it’s only a matter of time before someone is hurt or killed.
Late last year, they called for solutions such as blinking lights, speed humps, traffic cameras, or anything else that would help.
D’Agostino said the administration is still in favor of eventually adding traffic cameras for ticketing near schools, and he believes the City Council could still end up supporting such a move despite some opposition. He said he doesn’t see such a move creating a sort of “police state” in the city, as some fear.
