North Smithfield issues temporary traffic restriction for Sales Hill Road to reduce through‑traffic

Town Administrator Paul Swalumski told the council on Oct. 7 that an executive order restricting through‑traffic on Sales Hill Road took effect Oct. 3 and will be enforced during weekday peak hours to address safety complaints from residents.

The order limits non‑resident vehicular access during 7–9 a.m. and 3–7 p.m., mirroring a prior restriction used on Old Smithfield Road. Chief Lafferty said police will staff the road to educate drivers during the first one to two weeks and then begin enforcement; the town solicitor confirmed the executive order authorizes summonses for violations, enforceable in North Smithfield Municipal Court under R.I. law with fines up to $500.

Why it matters: Residents and councilors described dangerous driving and unsafe conditions for children and pedestrians. The order aims to reduce traffic volumes from motorists using mapping apps to bypass highway congestion.

Implementation and follow up: Police will initially direct non‑resident drivers to turn around, then move to issuing citations if the problem persists. Council said it will monitor the order’s effect and hold a public hearing if residents request further consideration after the trial period.

Quoted: Paul Swalumski, the town administrator, said the executive order has been posted on the town website and in the town newsletter. "Starting Oct[ober] 3, Sales Hill Road will be restricted to traffic from 7AM to 9AM and 3PM to 7PM," he said. Chief Lafferty added the department will staff the entrance and treat the first period as educational before beginning enforcement.