Traffic safety took center stage at the West Warwick Town Council meeting on October 7, 2025, as officials discussed a new ordinance aimed at restricting vehicle access to Campbell Street. The proposal, driven by resident concerns over heavy traffic, particularly from trucks, seeks to prohibit entry from East Greenwich Avenue onto Campbell Street while allowing access for school buses and emergency vehicles.
Councilman Adam Dennison highlighted the challenges faced in addressing the traffic issue, noting that previous solutions, such as one-way streets and cul-de-sacs, were not feasible. "The end result was that we would consider to not enter from East Greenwich Avenue onto Campbell Street," he explained. This decision aims to enhance safety for residents while maintaining necessary access for essential services.
Christopher Mann from the school department confirmed that school buses currently navigate both directions on Campbell Street, leading to the inclusion of an exemption in the ordinance. "Mister Mann was completely satisfied with that," Dennison stated, emphasizing the collaborative effort to address community concerns.
The ordinance reflects a proactive approach to traffic management, responding directly to the voices of Campbell Street residents who raised the issue months prior. As the council moves forward with this measure, it underscores the importance of community engagement in local governance and the ongoing commitment to ensuring public safety.