Transportation 2035 - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

December 2012TRAFFIC/SAFETY PROGRAMSAnother area where there are significant needs is traffic and pedestrian safety programs. These programs manage traffic in congested areas and provide safetyimprovements. The following project types are included:Hazard Elimination Arterials / Traffic Signal Synchronized System Traffic / Safety Design / Planning / Right-of-WayDrainage Improvements Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Lighting Repair and ImprovementsMunicipal Traffic Projects Pavement Striping Railroad Grade CrossingsRepair Damaged Safety Devices RI*STARS Program Guide Signing Inventory / ImprovementsState Traffic Commission Projects Traffic Monitoring Traffic Signal OptimizationThe FY 2013 – 2016 TIP allocates $30.5 million each year to this area. Although RIDOT has discretion to select projects within these line items, a list ofanticipated projects is listed in Appendix E of the TIP. A modernization program to upgrade signals to more energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) isunderway. Replacement increases the lifetimes of signal lights, decreasing maintenance, and enhances signal visibility and safety.HIGHWAY LIGHTINGAdequate highway lighting can be an important factor in highway safety, particularly for older drivers. Glare can be a safety problem because it causesannoyance, discomfort, and fatigue, which can result in driver error. Programs to replace streetlights with more efficient and safer lights known as full-cutoffluminaries are in place in some areas of the state. These fixtures reduce the level of light pollution, save energy; increase safety for pedestrians, motorists, andbicyclists; and produce a more aesthetically pleasing environment.In addition to the problem of too much light, another significant safety issue, especially for the older driver, is not enough lighting. Repair or replacement ofaging and obsolete highway lighting infrastructure is needed for some highway segments and ramps. New or improved lighting may also be needed in somelocations where traffic has increased in recent years. State highway lighting adequacy should be periodically reassessed to determine areas where new orenhanced lighting is necessary.HAZARD ELIMINATIONNew crash data systems allow more precise analysis of locations and causes of crashes. This program addresses high hazard intersections where it isdetermined that improvements to the geometry or signalization will result in fewer crashes. Roundabouts have been used in several intersections in the stateand they appear to be performing as hoped and improving traffic flow and safety.Transportation 2035 (2012 Update)State Guide Plan Element 611Rhode Island Statewide Planning ProgramPage 2-5