To the editor:

This morning’s news greeted us with the announcement of another serious accident on East Main Road in the vicinity of the closed State Police Barracks. (That’s) three in the last few weeks. 

When was the last time you saw a State Police car patrolling state roads in Portsmouth? In 1975, RIDOT unveiled plans to upgrade East Main Road. (In 1985, we were told we were second on the list.) About 10 years ago we were told that Sen. Reed had procured $1 million in funding for the Town Center, complete with roundabouts. We are still waiting. What else can we do?

Somewhere along the line, the legislature and RIDOT tried to stuff tolls on the Sakonnet Bridge down our throats. In spite of being told “it’s a done deal” by one legislator, we fought back and won. RIDOT finally has gotten the northern part of East Main done. Not exactly “on time or on budget,” but done after 44 years of promises. 

Last Saturday’s Newport Daily News carried an article about license plate design. Now this is certainly a weighty matter. When tourists travel East Main on their journey to Newport, our bold license plates will make Rhode Island great again. That is, after you have navigated the southern part the highway. 

Perhaps RIDOT should publish East Main Road accident statistics. Perhaps RIDOT should put signs up that proclaim to motorists that they are entering a high-accident area. After all, we do warn the public about deer crossings.

Philip T. Driscoll

169 Immokolee Drive

Portsmouth