Westerly - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

7.1 Overview7.0 Transportation NetworkA community’s transportation network determines how easily people and goods are able to moveinto, out of and around its boundaries and also helps define its character. The town of Westerlytransportation system inventory covers a variety of multimodal system elements including streets,sidewalks, bike/hike trails, air transport, rail transport, water/boat access, and limited bus transitcommuter service. By reviewing all available modes of transportation in Westerly and providingconsistency with state, regional and county plans, this inventory complies with the objectives of thefederal Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users(SAFETEA-LU).Transportation 2030: State Guide Plan Element 611 sets the direction for transportation policy and actionin the state of Rhode Island. It identifies transportation as a core function that connects the statewith the global and regional economies and individuals with their communities. It alsoacknowledges a need for equity and balance with other factors that influence quality of life issues.The nearby presence of the I-95 and regional connectors in the town permit Westerly to ensure thatlocal transportation decisions meet those ideals.7.2 Roads and TrafficThis subsection addresses the roadway classifications, existing traffic conditions, and recent trafficimprovement projects in Westerly. The town’s street system is maintained through the PublicWorks Department. Street signs, street painting, brush clearing, pothole repairs, sidewalkreplacement and catch basin repairs/cleaning are all performed by the town Highway Department.7.2.1 Functional ClassificationIn Rhode Island, the functional classification system is prepared and maintained by the Rhode IslandStatewide Planning Program, in cooperation with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation(RIDOT).The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) classifies roadways and highways according to thefunction, or service, they provide. There are three major categories of roadways and highways:Local – provides for land use functions such as streets within a neighborhoodCollector – provides a service from local land uses to major roadways, or arterialsArterial – provides a high level of mobility with the least amount of traffic signalization to promoteefficient through movement through the community.Westerly, Rhode Island 107