Cranston Mayor Hopkins announces bike path revitalization to begin

Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins announced that resurfacing of the Washington Secondary Bike Path will start in Cranston this coming Monday, April 8.

As the resurfacing work on the bike path kicks off in Cranston, Mayor Ken Hopkins is leading the charge to enhance this local recreation resource. Mayor Hopkins said the Rhode Island Department of Transportation began preliminary work on the bike path starting April 1. Beginning April 8, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will be resurfacing and making repairs to the bike path within the Towns of Coventry and West Warwick and Cities of Warwick and Cranston.

“This work will refurbish this valuable recreation resource,” Hopkins said. “With a focus on safety and maintenance, cyclists and pedestrians can look forward to a smoother and more enjoyable journey along the path once the improvements are complete.”

More than just resurfacing

This comprehensive effort will encompass various upgrades, including drainage enhancements, repairs to washouts, striping, fence replacements, erosion controls, and improvements to pedestrian signals and ADA ramps at street crossings.

“During the spring and summer, residents will see a great deal of activity as we work to improve our infrastructure throughout the city,” said Hopkins. “This project will complement our Knightsville revitalization project in that area of the city.”

Mayor Hopkins has been proactive in ensuring minimal disruption to Cranston residents’ access to the bike path by advocating for early completion of local work with RIDOT. At the mayor’s encouragement, work along the bike path sections within the City of Cranston will be completed first to allow maximum use of the bike path during the 2024 Spring and Summer seasons. The resurfacing will commence at Depot Ave in Cranston and extend to West of Whitford St in Coventry, covering a significant stretch of the path.

Scheduled to continue through late summer, the construction will involve nightly closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays.

Dates and targeted areas for work along the bike path in Cranston include:

• April 8th-April 19th:  Depot Ave, Cranston to Dyer Ave, Cranston.
• April 22nd-May 3rd:  Dyer Ave, Cranston to Uxbridge St, Cranston.
• May 6th-June 14th:  Uxbridge St, Cranston to West Natick Rd, Warwick.

“While the construction may lead to temporary closures during weekday nights, the long-term benefits of a revitalized and safer bike path far outweigh the inconvenience,” Hopkins said. “This revitalization effort promises to provide a renewed space for outdoor recreation and leisure for all to enjoy for years to come.”