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Westerly asks state to evaluate two Bradford‑area intersections; councilors seek broader public notice
Summary
Councilors discussed requests from the State Traffic Commission to evaluate two Bradford‑area intersections for roundabouts. Council moved to ask the state to study the sites; councilors asked the town to notify nearby ZIP code 02808 residents and neighboring towns and emphasized that study authorization is not a construction approval.
The Westerly Town Council on March 3 discussed a request from the Rhode Island State Traffic Commission that the town reconfirm whether the state should study two Bradford‑area intersections for possible roundabout installations.
Councilors characterized the agenda item as a request to allow state traffic engineers to evaluate safety warrants, land needs and traffic data — not as an authorization for immediate construction. Several council members urged wide public notice and outreach to neighboring municipalities before the state’s study proceeds.
Why it matters: A roundabout design could affect adjacent private land, the parking lot of a local church and land trust parcels. Councilors argued residents who use Route 1 and the Bradford village should be informed and have an opportunity to comment before the state proceeds with detailed engineering.
Discussion
Councilor Aiello, who said he lives in Bradford and has observed close calls at the intersections over decades, said the state study would review sight lines, traffic volumes and available right‑of‑way and that a study could conclude the roundabout is not warranted. “If the roundabout isn’t warranted … they would say, no. Leave it as it is,” Aiello said.
Councilor Healy asked that the town’s outreach extend to the entire 02808 ZIP code and that the Town Clerk or manager notify neighboring councils in Hopkinton and Charlestown so those municipalities and their residents can provide input.
Several councilors emphasized that the state’s traffic engineers evaluate multiple alternatives; if a roundabout does not meet warrants the state may propose another traffic control measure.
Procedural and next steps
The agenda carried a motion asking the council to reconfirm a prior authorization for the State Traffic Commission to perform an evaluation; councilors debated whether formal public notice should precede confirmation. Staff said the study itself is performed by the state; if the state later recommends construction the town would be involved in funding prioritization and any necessary right‑of‑way actions.
Ending
Councilors asked staff to ensure broad public notice and to inform neighboring towns about the study; they emphasized that a study is informational and that further action would be subject to future council review and any required funding approvals.
