Charlestown council directs $45,251 in remaining ARPA funds to Beach Road pedestrian safety improvements

CHARLESTOWN, R.I. — The Charlestown Town Council voted unanimously Dec. 9 to use the town—s remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) balance, $45,251.48, for pedestrian-safety improvements on Charlestown Beach Road.

Councilors heard a Crossman Engineering estimate that breaks the project into three crosswalk locations and a package of signs and pavement markings. The estimate lists an approximate total of $42,648, with the largest line item a beach parking-lot crossing (about $15,480) and other items including concrete landings, striping and directional signs. A contingency line was included in the firm—s materials.

A council member who moved the allocation said directing the final ARPA dollars to safety upgrades would address an area identified in prior traffic studies as hazardous to pedestrians and beachgoers. Town staff and engineers described possible options for the most expensive crossing, including working within the right-of-way or pursuing a small property acquisition to move pedestrians off the road.

Town Administrator Allen told the council the proposal was developed after recent fieldwork and that some elements will require permitting from the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and coordination with abutters.

The motion, which the council approved unanimously, directs staff to use ARPA line-item 430.51 to fund engineering and construction of the specified crosswalks and associated signage, and to return with implementation details and any permit approvals.

Next steps outlined by council members included final design by the town—s consultant, a legal review of any property adjustments, and follow-up reporting to the council before construction begins.

Meeting minutes show the allocation passed by roll call vote 5-0.