RICHMOND, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Department of Transportation officials visited Richmond on Tuesday for the ribbon-cutting of a new roundabout on Route 138. The $6.5 million roundabout replaces the previous intersection at Route 138, Route 112, and Carolina Nooseneck Road. Richmond Police Chief Elwood Johnson said the change will help make a dangerous intersection much safer. “This roundabout is slowing people down, you have to be at 20-25 miles an hour in order to navigate it safely,” Chief Johnson said. “It also softens angles of impact, so from a traffic safety perspective, this is a huge, positive change for the community.” RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said he hopes the roundabout will lessen the frequency of severe crashes in Downtown Richmond. Town officials and RIDOT decided to design the new roundabout after a fatal accident occurred at the previous intersection. RIDOT said the roundabout will help reduce speeds, which is helpful to Richmond Elementary School since it is located near the area. “Safety is our highest priority at RIDOT,” RIDOT Director Peter Alviti said. “We were pleased to complete these improvements for the citizens of Richmond and all travelers along this busy corridor across South County.” According to RIDOT, roundabouts have been proven to reduce fatalities by 90%. Categories: News, Rhode Island