Pawt. street to open to two-way traffic

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) -- A portion of a busy Pawtucket Street is about to open to two-way traffic for the first time in decades.

The change to East Avenue will take place Tuesday morning, and affects the portion from Main Street to Park Place. It's part of the City Planning Department's "Downtown Design Plan", and is one of the last sections of the "Circulator" pattern that has created problems for drivers since its debut in 1967.

Officials believe the change will ease traffic troubles and provide greater accessibility to area destinations.

"The Circulator has caused a lot of frustration and confusion that gave our downtown a reputation for being a place that's difficult to get into or get out of," said Mayor Donald Grebien in a statement. "Over the years, pieces of it have been rolled back, but this is one segment that had remained."

Some of the traffic lights that are no longer needed have been removed, and the Department of Public Works has installed an island to safely funnel right-turning traffic off of George Street.

This is just one step in the design plan, with further changes being dependent on funding.