Foster council hears residents' concerns over DOT rumble strips proposed for Route 101

The Foster Town Council and residents discussed a Rhode Island Department of Transportation plan to install rumble strips along Route 101, similar to installations previously placed on Route 6. DOT representatives sought the town's input before proceeding; councilors and residents expressed mixed views but took no formal vote.

Why it matters: Rumble strips are intended to reduce run-off-the-road crashes and distracted-driving incidents, but residents told the council the strips can be very loud for nearby homes and hazardous for cyclists who ride near the white edge line.

What councilors and residents said: Council President Stephen Plouffe and other members acknowledged the safety benefits cited by DOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) accident data, while also noting that Route 101 has more residences close to the road than Route 6.

Resident Lynn Bridal Burgess said a cyclist striking a rumble strip on the white edge line could have severe consequences, and other speakers recalled past local complaints that led to removal of similar edge rumble strips in other locations.

Next steps: Councilors agreed to keep the topic under "old business" for further discussion and to seek additional information from DOT about options (for example, alternative layouts or limiting the strips to centerline/shoulder treatments). No formal action or vote was taken at the April 10 meeting.

Context: At previous meetings DOT placed rumble strips on other state roads; residents have previously complained about noise and safety where there are no bike lanes.