Project to create a safer Douglas Ave

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Major improvements will be underway for bustling Douglas Avenue within the Wanskuck neighborhood of Providence.

Councilman David A. Salvatore announced the project Friday which is scheduled to begin late July and end in the fall.

The improvement project will realign the Douglas Avenue-Veazie Street-Corina Street intersection and the Douglas Avenue-Veazie Street-Stansbury Street intersection, in order to create safer traffic patterns for drivers.

Along with the intersections, a new drop-off lane will be made for Veazie Street Elementary School.

“The addition of a drop-off lane at Veazie Elementary will help alleviate the delays that occur in mornings and afternoons due to student pick-ups and drop-off,” Salvatore said.

Councilor Salvatore said that the improvement project will be funded by $270,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which were recently provided for the needed improvements.

“Motorists and neighbors have long-complained about these confusing and problematic intersections. Traffic is very congested in the area…,” Salvatore said.

Residences and businesses in the area will be notified of any traffic or road changes before construction begins. Although the project will require time and patience, when completed, it will create a much safer environment for drivers and pupils of Veazie Elementary.