The bill amends Chapter 24-5 entitled "Maintenance of Town Highways" and other related sections of the General Laws to clarify and assign responsibilities for the maintenance of highways, causeways, bridges, and sidewalks within town boundaries. The key insertion in Section 24-5-1 is the requirement for the state to be responsible for the annual cleaning and inspection of all sidewalks on state highways, roads, causeways, and bridges, while towns maintain the highways themselves. Additionally, the surfaces of all highways and causeways must be kept in a state of repair safe for bicycles.

Further amendments include changes to Chapter 24-7 entitled "Sidewalks" and Chapter 24-8 entitled "Construction and Maintenance of State Roads." These insertions specify that the state has jurisdiction over sidewalks and curbing on state highways within a town, and that the state is responsible for inspections, cleaning, and maintenance of these sidewalks, excluding snow and ice removal. The director of transportation is given the authority to construct sidewalks and curbs along state roads as needed for pedestrian travel. The act emphasizes that the state is responsible for the upkeep of sidewalks along state highways and roads, except for snow and ice removal, and it will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7677: 24-5-1, 24-7-8, 24-8-6