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Large electrical-pole replacements and gas-line work on Water Street to start; town seeks coordination and environmental monitoring
Summary
Rhode Island Energy plans to replace long transmission poles from the Swansea line and to replace gas lines on side streets off Water Street; the town asked for schedules, impacts to traffic, and conservation safeguards where work crosses marshland.
Town staff told the council that Rhode Island Energy (and related contractors) will replace a run of large wooden transmission poles from the Swansea line through Warren and Bristol; work has begun regionally and will extend toward Warren. The project includes use of heavy matting across marsh and wetland areas to support equipment access.
Public‑works staff and conservation representatives said they are coordinating with state conservation agencies and Save The Bay to monitor marsh impacts. The contractor proposed temporary "mats" — large timber pads bolted together — to limit equipment damage. Town officials said the contractor plans to avoid long‑term disturbance and will remove mats after work is complete, but noted concern about marsh effects where mats are installed.
The utility also plans to replace gas mains on Water Street side streets and will repave impacted roadways curb-to-curb after work. Council members asked the manager to insist on a public schedule, to avoid overlapping town paving and state roadway projects, and to require advance notice and business-friendly timing for disruptive work.
Ending: The council asked staff to keep pressure on the utility for a detailed schedule, to monitor environmental impacts where the contractor’s mats cross marsh areas, and to insist on coordinated timing with the state’s Main/Market paving projects.
