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Council approves DOT traffic plan for the Commons; striping expected in late summer 2026
Summary
The council approved the Rhode Island Department of Transportation's traffic plan for the Commons, which includes reconfigured parking, widened parking stalls, maintained one-way lane widths and potential U-turn lane adjustments. DOT estimated work would take place in late summer 2026 and is primarily striping and pavement marking.
The Little Compton Town Council voted to approve a traffic plan proposed by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for the Commons area.
Chief Raines summarized feedback from the Traffic Safety Advisory Board and DOT's responses to community comments. DOT declined to move parallel parking to the opposite side of the roadway because doing so would reduce overall spaces and create sight-line and safety issues with driveways; instead DOT recommended widening existing stalls from 8 to 10 feet on the south (cemetery) side and maintaining a 14-foot one-way travel lane. The plan also included a new u-turn lane in one schematic, which would remove a small number of parking spaces but improve turn sight lines.
DOT estimated the work would be largely a striping project, scheduled for late summer 2026, and said there would be advance media advisories, electronic boards and extra police presence during the transition.
Why it matters: the Commons is a town center where circulation, pedestrian crossings and parking affect business access and safety. The plan aims to improve flow and safety while retaining as many parking spaces as feasible.
What was said: Chief Raines told the council that DOT can widen parking stalls and keep a wide travel lane, and that final implementation would include signage and temporary traffic controls. Residents voiced mixed views: some welcomed additional spaces and clearer lane design; others raised concerns about sight-lines, angle parking and specific curb areas that are currently used informally.
Next steps: the council approved the DOT plan and staff will notify DOT to proceed. DOT will prepare public notices and coordinate staging and police details when work is scheduled.
