Transportation 2035 - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

HIGHWAYSTRATEGIES(continued)H.3.oH.3.pH.3.qH.3.rH.3.sH.3.tH.3.uH.3.vH.3.wH.3.xH.3.yGive greater priority to implementing systems for the prioritization of traffic signals to reduce bus travel time in congested corridors.Manage traffic incidents with the TMC's Incident Management Program.Promote lower volume highways as alternatives to high-volume routes (for example, I-295 instead of I-95, US-1 instead of RI-138 insouthern Rhode Island), for long-distance trips and when destinations are reasonably accessible from the circumferential route.Should the navy determine that Burma Road is excess to their needs, study its potential to relieve congestion on Routes 114 and 138consistent with the West Side Management Plan prepared by the Aquidneck Island Planning Commission.Improve traffic flow and safety, through motorist information systems; parking enforcement; well-managed highway construction; andprojects such as synchronized signals, left-turn lanes and signals, and reconfiguration of intersections. Trucking, school buses, andtourism are particularly sensitive to severe traffic congestion.Manage traffic incidents (such as breakdowns, accidents, and disruption due to special events) which are a major cause of traveldelay. Both rapid response to emergencies and restoration of normal flow are essential.Begin planning to address current and potential future congestion on the Interstate system by evaluating alternatives – including modeshift potential for passengers and freight, capacity expansion options, and ITS enhancements. Congested conditions already exist onI-295 between Routes 6 and 37 and this roadway may also benefit from short-term solutions such as truck climbing lanes. Futurecongestion is a concern for the two-lane segment of I-95 from RI-4 south to the CT border.Consider the role of signage readability and placement for congestion alleviation.Give the public better information on transportation. Include educational and promotional materials. Institute user-friendlycommunication technologies for the traveling public, such as the “511” program. Continue to improve web sites.Mainstream the consideration of future ITS infrastructure needs in corridor studies and within the design phase of major reconstructionprojects involving state arterials. Consider fiber optic cable conduit for all state roads when work is planned in TIP.Reevaluate all aspects of parking. Consider changing policies that favor auto travel over alternative modes including provision of freeor low cost parking by public entities, minimum parking space requirements for various activities, and tax treatment. Enforcehandicapped parking regulations.Consider modern roundabouts as a viable option in all intersection improvement projects.Transportation 2035 (2012 Update)State Guide Plan Element 611RI Statewide Planning ProgramPage 5-26December 2012BICYCLEDESIGNECONOMICDEVELOPMENTEMERGENCYRESPONSEENVIRONMENTEQUITYFINANCEHIGHWAYINTERMODALLAND USE ANDCORRIDORSPEDESTRIANPLANNINGSAFETYTRANSIT