News Summary
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha is advocating for amendments to the draft State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) to align it with the Act on Climate. Transportation accounts for nearly 40% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, prompting Neronha to urge specific goals to reduce emissions and promote public transit. Meanwhile, the Laurel Street Bridge in Hopkinton has closed due to deterioration, impacting 760 daily vehicles, while Middletown seeks state funding for new projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and sustainability.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha is urging the state’s Division of Statewide Planning to amend its draft State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) to better align with the objectives of the Act on Climate. Neronha stressed that the Act is a legally binding law, and he believes state officials are not meeting their responsibilities under this legislation.
Transportation is responsible for nearly 40% of Rhode Island’s greenhouse gas emissions, which makes it imperative that advancements are made in this area to combat climate change effectively. The Attorney General has expressed concerns that the current draft of the STIP does not adequately fulfill the requirements set forth by the Act on Climate.
Neronha’s primary request is for the revised plan to incorporate specific goals and initiatives that would lead to significant reductions in both emissions and the number of vehicle miles traveled. He advocates for securing funding for projects that enhance public transit options and promote alternative means of transportation, as these are essential for decreasing the state’s carbon footprint.
In a related transportation issue, the Laurel Street Bridge in Hopkinton has been closed following a routine inspection revealing deterioration that exceeded prior expectations. Previously, the bridge had been posted with load limits and was on a special inspection schedule for its ongoing issues. The closure of the Laurel Street Bridge has a daily impact on approximately 760 vehicles, and there is currently no estimated date for reopening the bridge.
This bridge is also included in the Rhode Island STIP, and the construction of a replacement superstructure is slated to begin in 2026. The need for the bridge closure has further emphasized the importance of assessing and upgrading transportation infrastructure across the state.
Meanwhile, proposals are being submitted in Middletown for new projects seeking state funding through the Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning. Notable initiatives currently included in the STIP for Middletown involve sidewalk construction, roadway resurfacing, and multi-use path enhancements, which together total millions of dollars in proposed funding.
This marks the first time since 2017 that Middletown has sought new projects for state funding consideration. The deadline for project submissions is set for March 14. Additionally, a public hearing is anticipated to be held on March 3 in order to gather community feedback regarding the selection process for these projects.
All proposed projects must qualify for federal funding and align with both local and state planning requirements to be eligible for evaluation for inclusion in the upcoming STIP. The emphasis on community input in the planning process reflects a growing awareness of the need for public engagement in infrastructure development and environmental sustainability efforts.
The calls for revision of the STIP and the ongoing evaluation of local projects underscore a critical juncture for transportation planning in Rhode Island as it seeks to enhance mobility while simultaneously addressing its climate goals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Valley Breeze: Frustration Builds as RIDOT Further Delays Lincoln Improvement Projects
- Newport This Week: Five Middletown Roads Eligible for Future State Funds
- Patch: Deterioration Closes Laurel Street Bridge in Hopkinton
- Providence Journal: Can Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor Be Improved? Study Lags for Years
- Uprise RI: An In-Depth Look at Providence’s Final Draft Comprehensive Plan
- Wikipedia: Climate Change in the United States
- Google Search: Rhode Island transportation infrastructure
- Google Scholar: transportation emissions Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
- Google News: Rhode Island transportation projects
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
