

| Legislative Watch |
Rhode Island |
8/4/03-Prompted by complaints from residents, a measure
that prohibits heavy-truck traffic on a narrow and congested stretch
of state Route 114 in downtown Bristol is now law.
H6529 directs most big rigs more than 4 tons away from the stretch
of Route 114 between Gooding Avenue and state Route 136.
Access to the banned area would be granted to certain vehicles
exempted from the restriction such as commercial vehicles with a local
delivery or pick up. Violators could be fined $50.
It became law July 23 without the governor's signature.
7/2/03-Prompted by complaints from residents, the General Assembly
has approved a measure that would prohibit heavy-truck traffic on a
narrow and congested stretch of state Route 114 in downtown Bristol.
The bill now heads to the governor for approval.
H6529, sponsored by Rep. Fausto Anguilla, D-Bristol, would direct
most big rigs over 4 tons away from the stretch of Route 114 between
Gooding Avenue and state Route 136.
Access to the banned area would be granted to certain vehicles
that are exempted from the restriction such as commercial vehicles
with a local delivery or pick up. Violators would be fined $50.
“
We are certainly aware of the need for truck traffic to move
through Bristol on the way to and from the Mount Hope Bridge,” Anguilla
said in a statement. “We are also aware of the potential and
real dangers of truck traffic in this area, and aware of the
continuing concerns of residents about these heavy trucks moving along
this section
of road. Route 114, in this area, is just not conducive to large,
heavy trucks and this bill addresses and rectifies that situation.”
For bill status, call (401) 751-8833.






