PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has asked Rep. Seth Magaziner to obtain $8 million in federal funding for the repaving of Victory Highway and Church Street in Burrillville, an initiative that could finally bring an end to more than a decade of pleas to the state agency for work on the roadways.
RIDOT Administrator of Planning Pamela Cotter notified the town of the request in an email to Town Clerk Vicki Martin on Thursday, March 19, requesting a letter of support in the effort.
Without outside funding, the two long deteriorated roadways are not scheduled for paving until 2031, according to the current State Transportation Improvement Plan. As state roadways, repair falls under RIDOT’s jurisdiction, but scheduled paving has been bumped back repeatedly in lieu of other projects.
Town officials have sent numerous letters requesting action on the matter, even investing in design work years ago for a project that never came to fruition.
At the Town Council’s last meeting, Councilor Dennis Anderson moved to act on sending a letter of support for the request “with the greatest degree of enthusiasm.”
“This has been an ongoing battle for the town – the council – over the years to get Victory Highway and a section of Church Street repaired,” noted Councilor Stephen Rawson.
Councilors expressed great hope that the U.S.congressman will be able to help.
“Representative Magaziner has been good to Burrillville,” said Anderson.
“He’s been tremendous,” agreed Rawson.
In the letter of support sent out last week, councilors noted the town has been requesting that the projects be prioritized for almost 15 years.
“These long-overdue infrastructure improvements are essential to public safety, community wellbeing, and the economic vitality of our town,” it notes.
The letter notes that Victory Highway was included in the 2012 Transportation Improvement Program, reached 90 percent design completion, and was expected to go out to bid in early 2013 but has since “stalled for twelve years while roadway conditions have deteriorated dramatically.”
“Victory Highway is a critical public safety corridor, serving the Burrillville Police Station, the townwide communications center, and the East Burrillville Fire Station, with emergency vehicles relying on it daily,” it notes. “Its current condition poses a clear and escalating danger to residents, first responders, and motorists.”
“Church Street, a main route to Eleanor Slater Hospital -Zambarano Unit, faces similar issues, with severe pavement failure and worsening drainage problems that present daily safety hazards and degrade surrounding infrastructure.”
“RIDOT’s request for federal funding represents an essential and timely opportunity to finally move these projects forward after years of delay,” notes the communication signed by Town Council President Donald Fox. “The need has been thoroughly documented, the planning is complete, and the safety risks are urgent.”
Picture is of Old Victory Highway in Mapleville, with Trinque Motors on the left. Article mentions Church St being a main route to Eleanor Slater Hospital – in Pascoag. There was a reason for Burrillville having so many little villages named! Very confusing.
Haters gonna hate…
These two State Highway roads have been deplorable for more than 20 years now! 2013 is the latest these two roads should’ve been resurfaced, the latest! Why does this State do the minimum to address the worst problems?
Seth is only helping because it’s and election year. He is busy hosting his housewives watch party. We need a real worker in there!!!
Even if granted, it will still take years to get these roads repaired/rebuilt. This is Rhode Island after all. They are famous for taking from Peter to Paul like they always do!