Officers to Direct Wilson Avenue Traffic

Police officers hired by Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will be directing Wilson Avenue traffic during peak communter times, a relief to residents who endure jams caused by the Ten Mile River Bridge detour.

According to Sgt. John Andrews, members from RIDOT and the East Providence Police Department met with about 25 residents Wednesday night to address concerns. Officers will direct traffic from 7 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. 

"[Officers] will relieve the traffic jam on Wilson Avenue every morning," he said, adding this is a temporary solution. "If an officer is there he can move the traffic better."

RIDOT members also discussed potentially adding four-way stop signs, rerouting truck routes and lowering speed limits.

Roger Williams Avenue is notorious for speeders, said Sgt. Andrews. The speed limit is 25 mph; drivers typically reach 40 mph on average.