Rep. Brian Newberry and Fellow Northern Rhode Island Legislators Demand Action Call on RIDOT to Make Route 146 a Priority

3/9/2018

Providence, RI - A group of 20 Northern Rhode Island legislators led by Representative Brian C. Newberry (D. 48 North Smithfield/Burrillville) and Senator Thomas J. Paolino (D. 17 Lincoln/North Smithfield/North Providence) has requested that RIDOT take the necessary steps to expedite resurfacing of Route 146 between the I-295 interchange in Lincoln and the Massachusetts border.

In a letter penned by Rep. Newberry and co-signed by 19 other legislators including Representatives Ackerman, Casey, Corvese, Costantino, Hull, Keable, Marszalkowski, McLaughlin, Morin, O’Brien, O’Grady, Phillips, and Winfield along with Senators Archambault, Cote, Fogarty, Paolino, Pearson, and Picard, it is noted that Route 146 is not slated for maintenance until 2022. However, the road surface has deteriorated to the point that four years is too long to wait for such a crucial highway.

Route 146 is one of the five main highway entry points to the state and primary gateway for people travelling to the cities and towns in the northern half of the state including Providence. However, the image projected to motorists coming south from the Mass Pike and the Worcester area is that of a state with terrible infrastructure.

“When I asked one of my colleagues to join in this effort not only did he enthusiastically agree but he suggested we include photos of his bent wheel rims recently gifted him from a trip up 146” said Rep. Newberry. “I understand that resources are scarce and road problems are not unique to the northern part of the state, but these terrible conditions leave the wrong impression about Rhode Island on visitors and citizens alike who travel Route 146 every day. I hope DOT will take this request seriously and work diligently to expedite a solution.”

Additional Resources:

Letter Addressed to RI DOT

Contact Information:
Ian O'Connor, House Minority Office
State House Room 106
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2259

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