Traffic improvements coming to East Bay

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island transportation officials are beginning a series of traffic improvements on Aquidneck Island at spots plagued by congestion and accidents.

The state Department of Transportation has identified 13 locations in Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth that are slated for safety improvements.

Officials say there will be changes in signage, new traffic signals and road re-striping to better organize traffic on the island.

Some traffic patterns will also be changed. Safety features will added for pedestrians and cyclists, including bike lanes.

Aquidneck Island is the first area to be included in the effort, known as RI*STARS. It stands for Rhode Island's Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions.