WARREN -- The months of digging, blasting, traffic jams and blocked sidewalks are over, and downtown Warren has a sparkling new surface to celebrate.
The $1.3 million sidewalk renovation project, which gave Main Street a new and improved look, was completed this week, and Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy will join town officials outside Town Hall tomorrow to commemorate the event.
"I'm extremely happy with the way the project has turned out," said Town Manager Michael J. Abbruzzi. "It was a very good partnership between the Department of Transportation and the town of Warren."
The sidewalks along Main Street, from Greene to Miller Street on the east side, and from Broad to Wood on the west, have been repaved or laid in brick. New replicas of historic street lamps dot the main drag, as do new trash barrels, and a set of benches embossed with the words, "Town of Warren," sits outside Town Hall.
The project, which began last fall, was financed with $300,000 from the state Department of Transportation's Enhancement Program, and $1 million that Kennedy procured through the federal Transportation Appropriations Act. The first phase was completed last November.
"It's a beautiful project," said Heidi Cote, a spokeswoman for RIDOT. "And of course, the residents of the area are very pleased as well."
Local residents and business owners did, in fact, voice their support of the project despite the inconveniences that accompanied it. At times, the sidewalks outside such mainstays of Main Street as The Coffee Depot, the Gob Shop, and Jamiel's Shoe World were demolished, forcing customers to enter through the rear doors, or simply bypass the shops. In addition, traffic along Route 114 was often backed up for more than a mile.
However, the construction company, LAL Construction of Fall River, won praise from locals for their quick and courteous work.
"They're outstanding," said Bob Estrella of the Gob Shop, who rated the crew "a 9 out of 10."
The sidewalk renovation is part of a long-term improvement project in Warren, which includes the cleanup of the Town Beach, the reconstruction of the Barrington and Warren bridges, and several other sidewalk renovations around the town.
Tomorrow's ceremony, at 9:30 a.m. outside Town Hall, will be attended by RIDOT director James R. Capaldi and several Warren officials. Town Council president Frank J. Alfano will be the master of ceremonies.
To contact Jessica Ullian, phone 253-1200 or e-mail JUllian(at)projo.com.
