The main road connecting Barrington and Riverside is going on a diet.

According to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, a section of Willett Avenue and County Road is shrinking from two vehicle lanes to one vehicle lane and one bike lane. The traffic shift is called a “road diet” by RIDOT officials.

“Road diets are a proven traffic calming measure to reduce speed and improve safety for turning traffic and pedestrians crossing the road,” stated a press release from RIDOT. “RIDOT has implemented road diets in numerous communities across Rhode Island.”

The construction project is turning the right travel lane into a buffer zone and bike lane. The left travel lane will remain dedicated to motor vehicles. New sidewalks are also being built along County Road east of the Willett/Coun

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