Reed, Whitehouse, & Amo Announce ~$19 Million in Federal Funding for Safer Streets on Aquidneck Island

Grant from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will improve travel for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists across the Island

Newport, RI - U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today joined U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Representative Gabe Amo, and local leaders to announce $19,250,000 in federal funding for roadway, bicycle, and pedestrian safety improvements across Aquidneck Island.

"This grant will make getting around Aquidneck Island easier for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers - especially during the congested summer months," said Whitehouse. "Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is still at work improving travel in the Ocean State."

"This is a smart investment in upgrading road conditions, preventing traffic accidents, and connecting neighborhoods," said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD). "This federal funding will help Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth make needed roadway and sidewalk improvements and help them reach their infrastructure and mobility goals."

"Whether walking, biking, or driving, Rhode Islanders deserve to be safe as they travel around our state," said Congressman Amo. "The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I helped implement during the Biden Administration, is still delivering for our communities. Alongside the leadership of Senators Reed and Whitehouse in securing this funding, I look forward to Aquidneck Island's Safe Streets for All Grant ensuring safer roadways for all."

The competitive grant, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's Safe Streets and Roads for All program, was awarded to the three municipalities of Aquidneck Island to address sidewalk gaps and upgrade crossings along priority corridors. Planned treatments include pedestrian hybrid beacons, leading pedestrian intervals, high-visibility and raised crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, speed feedback signs, and new sidewalks. The project is designed to reduce speeding, improve safety and accessibility, and ultimately reduce traffic-related injuries.

"Newport is a city that values safety. The stated vision of Keep Newport Moving, the City's Transportation Master Plan, is to make Newport a SAFE and inviting place for all people to travel, whether on foot, or by bike, bus or vehicle," said Patricia Reynolds, Director of Planning and Development for the City of Newport. "Recently the city has adopted a Vision Zero policy, created a Safety Action Plan, and a Green and Complete Streets evaluation process for all proposed roadway improvements. The city is excited about the opportunities for construction presented by the Safe Streets For All grant acquisition. Being able to construct infrastructure to realize our vision for safe and convenient multimodal transportation is a step to an improved transportation system designed for all users."

"The Town of Middletown is grateful for this grant award and is excited about the opportunity to expand the sidewalk network in town, improving safety for pedestrians and other roadway users," said Ron Wolanski, Town Planner for the Town of Middletown.

"On behalf of the Town of Portsmouth, we are honored to receive a Safe Streets 4 All grant. This investment reflects our shared commitment to protecting the people who live, work, and travel in our community every day," said Lea Hitchen, Town Planner of the Town of Portsmouth. "In Portsmouth, our roads connect neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and waterfront areas-but they should also be places where everyone feels safe, whether they are driving, walking, biking, or crossing the street. This funding allows us to make meaningful infrastructure improvements while also installing speed signs, using immersive technology to reduce crashes and prevent serious injuries. We are grateful to our federal partners, our local leaders, and the residents of Portsmouth who have voiced the need for safer streets and supported this effort. Everyone's input and advocacy are what make progress like this possible. This grant is not the finish line-it's the beginning of continued work to create safer, more accessible, and more equitable streets for all."

"The Safe Streets For All grant is an exceptional - and exciting - regional achievement for the municipalities of Aquidneck Island, including many innovative methods of community engagement," said Bari Freeman, Executive Director at Bike Newport. "We look forward to the collaborative process and to the ultimate promise of safer streets for everyone."