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Newport council backs restriping, bike lanes and truck weight limits for Admiral Kalfas Road
Summary
The Newport City Council approved a resolution endorsing restriping of Admiral Kalfas Road to create 10‑foot travel lanes, buffered 5‑foot bike lanes and to seek state approval for truck weight restrictions; the resolution also directs the city to provide crossing guards until traffic‑calming measures are implemented.
The Newport City Council on a unanimous vote approved a resolution asking the city to support restriping Admiral Kalfas Road to provide 10‑foot travel lanes and buffered 5‑foot bike lanes and to seek State Traffic Commission approval for accompanying weight‑restriction signage.
Councilor Lima, sponsor of the resolution, told colleagues the changes respond to a yearlong effort with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and residents who raised safety concerns after several high‑profile crashes near school arrival and dismissal times. "This is us being proactive," she said, adding the resolution asks the city to provide additional crossing guards "until such time of the traffic calming measures can be implemented."
Council members pressed staff on details of the proposed configuration and how bike lanes would begin and end. A city engineer explained the plan would remove the existing fog line and create a 5‑foot bike lane with a 2‑foot buffer adjacent to a 10‑foot travel lane, easing in where the right‑of‑way narrows and marking transitions with hashed pavement and signage.
Councilor Carlin and others said the change is aimed not just at speeding reduction but also at redirecting heavy commercial traffic. The city said RIDOT approved installation of speed and red‑light cameras at Admiral Kalfas and Hillside, and the State Traffic Commission has authorized a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) at the Sagamore Street crossing to improve pedestrian conspicuity.
On enforcement, the chief of police reported the department has two officers certified in weight‑restriction enforcement and intends to use periodic enforcement once the State Traffic Commission approves permanent signs. Councilors also requested improved wayfinding signage to direct trucks to alternate arterials such as JT Connell Highway.
The resolution includes a one‑year commitment that the city will monitor the change and provide quarterly updates to the council on impacts. Councilors emphasized continued resident advocacy at the State Traffic Commission as a necessary follow‑up step.
The council voted in favor of the resolution; administration will send the council’s approval to RIDOT and the State Traffic Commission and coordinate implementation details with public works and police.
