Narragansett council hears updated plans and schedules public workshop for bike path section 4b

Engineers for the town presented new analysis and options for completing section 4b of the Narragansett bike path — the segment that would connect the Narragansett Community Center to the Town Beach — and the council set a public work session for Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m.

Molly Titus of Depreed Engineering told the council the study considered off‑road and on‑road routes. An off‑road route would have required about 3,000 feet of elevated walkway through wetlands and was estimated at approximately $10,250,000, which the presenters said made that option prohibitively expensive. Titus said the new preferred alignment routes through Sprague Park, uses a narrow upland corridor to avoid flagged wetland areas and then continues on road via Strathmore Road toward South County Museum and Boston Neck Road.

John Shevlin of Parr Corporation described the on‑road alternatives, traffic and speed studies, and options for the Boston Neck Road crossing. He reported posted speeds of 25 mph with observed worst‑case speeds around 28–30 mph, good sight lines at the proposed crossing, and the availability of a refuge in the existing median. To improve pedestrian and cyclist safety he outlined alternatives including a road diet to reduce lane widths near the crossing, a rectangular rapid‑flashing beacon, or a pedestrian hybrid beacon.

Presenters provided preliminary cost estimates for components: paving and striping through Sprague Park was cited at about $375,000; paving and signage for Strathmore and Anhoxie Way were estimated at roughly $400,000. The consultants said they would provide more precise linear measurements and cost breakdowns after follow‑up. At one point a total‑cost range for crossing alternatives was read aloud in the presentation; the consultants agreed to clarify and provide corrected figures in the written report.

Council members asked for specific curb‑to‑curb widths and where parking would be lost. Shevlin said the narrow residential segments would generally use shared‑lane markings and wayfinding signs rather than building separate lanes; in wider sections the presenters recommended two 12‑ft travel lanes with bicycle markings and buffers. The team said Strathmore was the safest single route because much of the path already exists and it would likely have the least impact on parking.

Town Manager Jim confirmed consultants would be available for the proposed Oct. 6 workshop and recommended robust public outreach; the council unanimously approved scheduling the work session. The council also discussed forming an ad hoc advisory group and soliciting specific public questions in advance so staff can invite additional state or technical resources if needed.

Next steps: consultants will provide the detailed measurements and corrected cost breakdowns requested during the meeting; the council will hold a public workshop Oct. 6 at 5:30 p.m. to allow residents to comment and ask follow‑up questions.