The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced today it will be changing traffic patterns on Fruit Hill Avenue at the intersection with Olney Avenue in North Providence effective Thursday, November 1, 2012. At approximately noon, traffic will be directed onto a new roundabout RIDOT built to increase motorist and pedestrian safety at this intersection.
Through a $665,000 contract with Cardi Corporation, RIDOT rebuilt the intersection as a traffic calming measure to reduce speeds on Fruit Hill Avenue that led to numerous crashes. A priority for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), roundabouts have been installed across Rhode Island and have been proven to reduce both the number and severity of intersection crashes. They also are safer and more efficient than signalized intersections, while having the benefit of reduced congested and no traffic signals to maintain. Additionally, these types of traffic circles also make pedestrian crossings easier and safer.
Traffic in a roundabout flows in a counter-clockwise direction and motorists entering the intersection are required to yield to traffic already in the circle. With slow speeds in the roundabout, it is easy to merge with traffic and exit onto the desired road.
Further information, including brochures and videos of roundabouts, can be found on RIDOT's website at www.dot.ri.gov.
Anyone with questions can contact RIDOT's Customer Service office at 401-222-2450 weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional information may be available on RIDOT's social media sites on Twitter and Facebook.
Contact: Charles St. Martin 401-222-1362 x4007