PROVIDENCE – Two safety problems that have drawn complaints and warnings are now being met with two separate construction projects in Mt. Pleasant and Smith Hill, according to Ward 12 Councilman Terrence M. Hassett. 

“One project involves the installation of portable speed bumps on two streets.  Both Health Avenue in Mt. Pleasant and Goddard Street in Smith Hill were chosen for an initial testing period.  The newly designed speed control devices will be removed for the winter snow plowing season, thus, serving as a more practical approach to traffic control on neighborhood streets,” said Hassett.  “The testing period will end in 30 days, and the speed control devices will be re-installed in the spring.”

Hassett said that speeding cars along neighborhood streets ranks near the top of complaints reported to him by constituents.

“These new portable speed devices are intended to slow traffic and create a safer environment on neighborhood streets,” Hassett said.  “More streets will be added in the spring.  The speed devices will be removed each November to accommodate snow removal operations."

Another safety project will result in a new student lane along Oakland Avenue that will serve as a drop off/pick up area for students attending Nathanael Greene Middle School.  Increased traffic along Oakland and Chalkstone Avenues in recent years has posed safety concerns for students being dropped off and picked up at the school.  The lane is also expected to ease traffic congestion at peak hours.

“This new traffic lane will create a safer area for parents and students who utilize Oakland Avenue during peak commuting hours,” Hassett said.  “The new land will permit parents to pull into a curbed area, safely drop off their children at the school and re-enter traffic lanes without creating traffic congestion.”

Hassett said the speed control devices were installed last week.  The student lane construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed in two weeks.  During this time, he is advising motorists to expect delays along Oakland Avenue.

 # # # #