New Signs Highlight Wickford's Historic Past

A dozen new signs, including a few brown ones that state “Historic,” will be erected to replace signs indicating the village on a number of state roads and highways.

The state Department of Transportation will be installing the new signs by next spring after the recent approval by the DOT.

The effort was led by the Wickford Economic Development Advisory Board with the goal of drawing attention to the village, both in terms of historical perspectives and business potential.

According to plans on file with the DOT, the town requested signs on Route 1 north and sound prior to the split with Route 4 and at the intersections of Phillips and West Main Streets; Route 4 south and north prior to the Exit 5 area to connect to Route 102 and at the end of the ramp from Route 4 north to Exit 5; Route 138 west prior to the exit to Boston Neck Road and at the end of the off-ramp; and at the end of the ramp from Route 403 east to Post Road.

Tim Cranston provided a brief but sweet overview of why Wickford is historically significant in an interview with the Providence Journal.