Requires that all maintenance of sidewalks along state highways, with the exception of snow and ice removal, be the responsibility of the state.
Summary
S0057 amends Rhode Island law governing sidewalks along state highways. It clarifies that the state retains jurisdiction over sidewalks and curbing on state highways, and it preserves the requirement that the director of transportation approve the feasibility, location, type, and timing of any sidewalk or curb construction on those highways. The bill also authorizes the director to construct sidewalks and curbs adjacent to state roads when, in the director’s judgment, pedestrian travel requires them.
The central policy change is that all maintenance of sidewalks along state highways, except for snow and ice removal, would become the responsibility of the state. The bill therefore shifts ongoing repair and upkeep obligations away from local governments for these sidewalks and places them under state control. It takes effect upon passage.
Impact
The bill would amend two chapters of the General Laws, including the chapter on sidewalks and the chapter on construction and maintenance of state roads. In practical terms, it would impose a statewide maintenance obligation for sidewalks along state highways, while leaving snow and ice removal as an exception. The measure affects the Department of Transportation’s authority and responsibility, and it may relieve municipalities of maintenance duties for sidewalks located on state highways.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong support for the bill, with passage by a 36-0 vote in the Senate. No committee transcript is available, but the unanimous vote suggests broad agreement on shifting maintenance responsibility to the state and clarifying DOT authority over sidewalks on state highways.
Contention
No recorded committee debate is available, and the final vote was unanimous, so there is no documented opposition in the provided materials. Any potential policy tension would likely center on the fiscal and operational implications of transferring sidewalk maintenance to the state, versus the continued local responsibility for snow and ice removal, but no specific objections are identified in the record provided.