State Representative Joseph M. McNamara (D‑Dist. 19, Warwick) is pressing the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to create a dedicated bypass for large commercial trucks that currently travel through the narrow, winding lanes of Pawtuxet Village on Warwick Avenue. In a letter to RIDOT Director Robert Rocchio dated Sept. 23, McNamara outlined a new routing that would keep heavy‑duty vehicles off the historic residential streets.
Proposed truck route
McNamara’s proposal asks southbound trucks coming from Allens Avenue to turn right onto Norwood Avenue, then continue south on Warwick Avenue, avoiding the stretch of Broad Street that cuts through Pawtuxet Village. He suggests the ideal entrance to the Pawtuxet Industrial Park be at the traffic light near Shaw’s Market, proceeding onto River Avenue and then Bellows Street. The alternate path would reduce the disruptive noise and vibrations that have been reported to shake historic homes and damage traffic islands.
Local officials back the plan
Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi praised the initiative, stating, “I think it’s a good plan and I am supportive of it. I commend Representative McNamara for advocating for this.” George Shuster, chairman of the Warwick Historic District Commission, also endorsed the request, calling the change “a material improvement to the traffic through the Pawtuxet Village Historic District, separating the personal and light commercial traffic from the heavy commercial traffic using the Warwick Industrial Park.”
Why the change matters
The Pawtuxet Village area, known for its 18th‑century homes and cobblestone streets, has seen an increase in industrial activity as the nearby industrial park adds tenants that ship large equipment, including cranes, through the neighborhood. Residents have complained that the trucks’ size and weight cause excessive shaking of foundations and create safety concerns on the narrow roadways.
Next steps
Rep. McNamara plans to present his concerns and the proposed routing at the State Traffic Commission meeting on Nov. 4. If approved, RIDOT would be tasked with updating signage and possibly adjusting traffic signal timing to accommodate the new flow. The move aligns with broader efforts to preserve historic districts while still supporting the economic vitality of the industrial park.
Community response
Local business owners and residents have expressed relief at the prospect of reduced heavy‑truck traffic. While some commercial drivers worry about longer travel times, the consensus among community leaders is that protecting the historic character of Pawtuxet Village outweighs the inconvenience. The proposed bypass reflects a balance between preserving heritage and maintaining the industrial park’s logistical needs.
McNamara’s request underscores the importance of responsive local governance that listens to constituents’ concerns and works with state agencies to find practical solutions. The upcoming Traffic Commission hearing will determine whether the bypass becomes a reality, offering a potential model for other historic neighborhoods facing similar challenges.
Original reporting: Warwick Post — read the source article.
