Officials discuss N. Smithfield traffic changes

NORTH SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) -- North Smithfield police met with members of the RI Traffic Management and Highway Safety office Monday to discuss changes to two area intersections.

Officials addressed concerns and put together recommendations for the intersections of Route 146 at Sayles Hill Road, as well as Route 102 (Victory Hwy.) at Route 5 (N. Main Street).

For the Route 146 intersection, officials are seeking to:

• Reduce speed on Rt. 146 south in the area of the Greenville Road on-ramp to 45 mph and reduce speed in the area of the southbound weigh station to 35 mph.
• Install warning lights and signs just south of where Rt. 146 merges with Eddie Dowling Highway, to warn drivers of the upcoming traffic light.
• Reduce the speed limit to 35 mph through the Rt. 146/Sayles Hill Road intersection between the Lincoln town line and where Rt. 146 merges.
• Install signs and flashing lights in the area to warn traffic of the speed reduction.
• Install a pedestrian crosswalk/bridge over Rt. 146 in the area of Sayles Hill Road.
• Implement "No Right Turn on Red" signs from Sayles Hill Road to Rt. 146 North and South.
• Install speed/traffic enforcement cameras both north and southbound.
• Install additional overhead lighting for the entire intersection.

For the Rt. 102/ Route 5 intersection, officials are looking to:

• Add "No Turn on Red" signs for all four directions.
• Install speed/traffic enforcement cameras for all four directions.
• Install a left turn traffic signal arrow for traffic traveling both north and south on Victory Highway.

Members of the North Smithfield Police Department will be present at the State House on Oct. 10 when the proposals will be forwarded to the State Traffic Commission.

The North Smithfield Police Traffic Division is expected to conduct further research in regards to the speed/traffic enforcement cameras.