Providence City Councilman John Goncalves is calling on the state to do its part to fix roads damaged by traffic diverted from Washington Bridge as it undergoes repairs.
In a resolution set to be presented at Thursday night’s council meeting, Goncalves argues the influx of cars jamming up local roads is putting not only infrastructure at risk, but pedestrians and the motorists themselves.
The resolution asks the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to repair Angell and Gano Streets, which have been heavily used since the bridge closure by all kinds of traffic, including tractor-trailers once confined to the highway now moving through neighborhoods.
“This situation not only poses a risk to public safety but also compromises the quality of life for our residents and local taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill for the damage done to these roads,” Goncalves said in a statement.
Responding to the ordinance, RIDOT spokesman Charles St. Martin said the agency looking into federal assistance.