AGP Executive Report

Block Island Resilience: New Shoreham’s committee is reconsidering plans for a relocated beach pavilion, weighing rebuilding options, costs and storm risks before advancing the design. Ferry Access: Summer parking at Point Judith remains a concern for Block Island residents returning by car, despite praise for Interstate Navigation’s handling of storm-related cancellations. Getting Around: A new express bus links Kingston and New London with New York on select weekends through Nov. 1, offering an alternative during Connecticut rail construction. Fall Attractions: Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular features 5,000 carved pumpkins along a 1.5-mile trail through Nov. 1. Road Alerts: RIDOT plans to shift I-95 North lanes near the Jefferson Boulevard exit on Oct. 14 for bridge work; the change is expected to last about two months.

Fall Weekend: More than 5,000 runners are expected at Sunday’s Amica Newport Marathon, and festivals and outdoor events are filling the long weekend across Rhode Island. Getting Here: A new express bus links Kingston and New London with New York City from Oct. 9, helping travelers as Connecticut bridge work limits weekend Amtrak service through Nov. 1. Road Alerts: RIDOT plans a lane shift on I-95 North near the Cranston-Warwick line starting Oct. 14, plus overnight I-95 closures in Providence and Cranston on Oct. 16. Wild Coast: A new episode of Ocean State: Rhode Island’s Wild Coast, featuring piping plovers, ospreys and other coastal wildlife, premieres Monday at 9 p.m. on Ocean State Media.

Travel Updates: Overnight closures on Warwick’s Bald Hill Road begin Oct. 13, with detours affecting Route 2 and I-295; weekend I-95 closures in Providence and Cranston are also scheduled for Oct. 16. Newport Access: Gas-main work on lower Thames Street starts Oct. 13 and could bring lane restrictions and delays into 2027, though nearby businesses will remain open. Weekend Events: More than 5,000 runners are expected for Sunday’s Amica Newport Marathon, while Westerly-Pawcatuck marks the Columbus Day parade’s 75th anniversary. Explore Rhode Island: The free Rhode Tour app and website are adding “Revolutionary Traces,” a statewide history tour, to a collection of 39 tours and more than 365 story stops.

Getting Around: Overnight Route 2 closures in Warwick begin Oct. 13 for bridge work, with detours affecting access to I-295; visitors should check RIDOT’s route guidance before traveling. Westerly Events: The 75th Columbus Day parade is set for Sunday, with Grey Sail Brewing founders Jennifer and Alan Brinton as grand marshals. Coastal Stay: Westerly’s Weekapaug Inn ranked No. 28 among the world’s best resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ awards, and No. 2 in New England. Newport Weekend: More than 5,000 runners are expected for Sunday’s Amica Newport Marathon. Providence Family Plans: The Rhode Island Festival of Children’s Books & Authors brings authors and young readers to Lincoln School on Oct. 17.

Community Events: Westerly-Pawcatuck’s Columbus Day parade returns Sunday after last year’s rainout, with Grey Sail Brewing founders Jennifer and Alan Brinton serving as grand marshals. Road Travel: Overnight closures on Route 2 in Warwick begin Oct. 13 for bridge work, with signed detours and some I-295 ramps closed; allow extra time. Tourism Honors: Condé Nast Traveler readers named T.F. Green the nation’s eighth-best airport and Newport’s Castle Hill Inn the best hotel in New England; Westerly’s Weekapaug Inn ranked among the world’s top resorts. Newport Weekend: More than 5,000 runners are expected for Sunday’s Amica Newport Marathon and Half Marathon. Temporary traffic delays are planned across Newport and Middletown, and shuttles will serve race participants and spectators. Historic Stay: Narragansett’s “Reading Room,” a landmark overlooking the Towers, is on the market for the first time in 55 years. The late-19th-century property once served as a men’s bed-and-breakfast club.

Travel Honors: Westerly’s Weekapaug Inn ranked No. 28 among the world’s top resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ awards and No. 2 in New England. The same awards named T.F. Green the country’s eighth-best airport and Newport’s Castle Hill Inn the region’s top hotel. Getting Around: URI students and employees can now ride RIPTA buses free, including nights and weekends. Visitors driving through Providence and Cranston should also plan for overnight I-95 closures at the Route 10 interchange on three weekends starting Oct. 16. Travel Innovation: Rhode Island’s Regent has unveiled a new electric seaglider, signaling a potential new chapter for travel over water.

Transit & Campus Mobility: URI students, faculty, and staff can ride RIPTA buses free starting Oct. 1 through the new U-Pass deal, using their URI ID cards for unlimited trips statewide—aimed at cutting traffic and parking demand and helping with commutes, jobs, internships, and connections to rail. Airport & Hospitality Honors: Rhode Island scored big in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, with T.F. Green named among the top U.S. airports and Newport’s Castle Hill Inn taking top honors for best hotel in New England. Road-Trip Planning: RIDOT announced weekend overnight I-95 closures at the Route 10 (Exit 33) interchange in Providence/Cranston starting Oct. 16, with detours and estimated 15–20 minute delays—useful for anyone driving in for fall weekends. Local Storytelling for Visitors: A new children’s book spotlights East Providence’s “hero dog” Tyson, sharing his pet-finding adventures and plans to support Rhode Island animal shelters. Out-of-State Travel Buzz: A “world’s most haunted road” list points to New Jersey’s Clinton Road, feeding Halloween travel interest beyond Rhode Island. Family Travel Tip: TSA’s “Families on the Fly” adds dedicated security lanes at select airports for kids 12 and under, making trips smoother for families. Fall Fun & Nature: URI geoscientists are guiding public field trips tied to an annual New England geology conference, including Rhode Island beach and bay tours—great for visitors who like outdoors with a learning twist.

I-95 Travel Disruptions: RIDOT says weekend overnight closures will begin Oct. 16 at the I-95/Route 10 interchange in Providence and Cranston for demolition and a full interchange rebuild, with lane/ramp impacts, detours via I-295 and Route 10, and about 15–20 minutes added travel time. Local Nature & Outdoors: URI geoscientists are leading public field trips tied to the New England Intercollegiate Geological Conference, including stops around Rhode Island’s beaches and bays—great for visitors who like scenic learning. Green Bond Push: Officials launched Rhode Island’s semiannual Green Bond campaign ahead of Question 5, with funding aimed at state beaches, parks, campgrounds, Narragansett Bay watershed restoration, and more. New Visitor-Friendly Transit: URI students, faculty, and staff now ride RIPTA buses for free through a new U-Pass partnership, making it easier to get around without a car. Coastal Tech Spotlight: Regent Craft’s Seaglider program continues to grow after a Phase IV expansion tied to Marine Corps work, with a recent milestone flight over Narragansett Bay. Airport Security Reminder: A T.F. Green contract employee was arrested after allegedly trying to enter a secure area with an unloaded pistol and folding knife—another reminder to pack smart before you fly. Fall Fun Picks: A Columbus Day weekend roundup highlights top New England destinations for fall foliage and events.

Road & Rail Disruptions: RIDOT is rolling out more weekend overnight I-95 closures at the Route 10 (Exit 33) interchange in Cranston/Providence, starting Friday night Oct. 16, with lane and ramp impacts for demolition and full interchange rebuilding; RIDOT expects 15–20 minute detours and urges drivers to use I-295 and Route 10. Local Ballot Watch: Rhode Island’s semiannual Green Bond campaign is pushing voters to approve Question 5, with $55 million aimed at beaches, parks, campgrounds, Narragansett Bay watershed restoration, brownfield cleanup, and farmland/open space. New Visitor Buzz: Travel And Tour World spotlights Halloween travel, ranking Salem No. 1 for 2026—good timing for Rhode Island’s own spooky-season draw. Family Travel Tip: TSA’s “Families on the Fly” adds dedicated screening lanes at select airports for kids 12 and under, easing airport stress during fall trips. Tech & Tourism Crossover: Regent Craft’s electric Seaglider program keeps advancing after a Narragansett Bay prototype flight and a new Marine Corps-backed push—another reason to watch Rhode Island’s innovation scene. Aviation Security: A T.F. Green airport contract employee was arrested after allegedly trying to enter a secure area with an unloaded pistol and folding knife.

Green Bond Push: Rhode Island officials kicked off the campaign for November’s Green Bond ballot question, a $55 million package aimed at state beaches, parks and campgrounds, Narragansett Bay watershed restoration, brownfield cleanup, and farmland/open-space preservation. Ballot & Voting Access: A “What We Need To Know” roundup flags fast-approaching midterm registration deadlines in several states and highlights what’s at stake on the 2026 ballot. Travel Disruption: RIDOT begins temporary traffic pattern changes tied to the I-95/Route 10 interchange reconstruction in Providence and Cranston, including a ramp closure Oct. 2–5. Mayo Clinic Network: South County Health in South Kingstown becomes Rhode Island’s first Mayo Clinic Care Network member, aiming to bring Mayo specialists and resources closer to home. New Air Travel Tech: Regent Craft opened its Seaglider manufacturing facility in North Kingstown and announced expanded Marine Corps Warfighting Lab funding after a successful prototype flight over Narragansett Bay. Local Nature Fun: Narrow River Preservation Association hosted “What Lives in the River,” letting families and students explore local wildlife up close. Airport Security Incident: A T.F. Green contract employee was arrested after police said he tried to enter a secure area with an unloaded pistol and folding knife. Cycling & Community: Cycle 66 drew 700+ cyclists from 18 states to celebrate Route 66’s centennial.

T.F. Green Airport Security: A Rhode Island Airport Corporation contract employee was arrested after police said he tried to enter a secure area with an unloaded pistol and folding knife in his bag—another reminder that TSA screening is catching prohibited items before they reach travelers. Transit & Getting Around: RIDOT begins temporary traffic pattern changes tonight for the I-95/Route 10 interchange reconstruction in Cranston and Providence, with a ramp closure Oct. 2–5 that could add travel time. Local Health Access: South County Health becomes the first Rhode Island organization to join the Mayo Clinic Care Network, aiming to reduce the need for out-of-state second opinions. Rail Planning for the Coast: A Rhode Island rail open house in New London gathered support for expanding Shore Line East service to Westerly, including platform upgrades and more stops. Family-Friendly Outdoors: Narrow River Preservation Association’s “What Lives in the River” event lets families wade, net, and view local wildlife up close with scientists teaching on-site. Fall Fun on the Calendar: Sakonnet Vineyard hosts its second annual Harvest Festival Oct. 3–4 with live music, tastings, vineyard tours, and kid-friendly activities. New Tech in Rhode Island Waters: Regent Craft’s Seaglider program adds $5 million from the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab and marks continued progress after a Narragansett Bay prototype flight.

New Tech & Local Industry: Regent Craft’s electric Seaglider program hit a big Rhode Island milestone with the ribbon-cutting of its Seaglider Manufacturing Facility in North Kingstown, plus a new $5 million Marine Corps contract—following a prototype flight over Narragansett Bay. Airport & Travel Safety: A T.F. Green Airport contract employee was arrested after police said he tried to enter a secure area with an unloaded pistol and folding knife in his bag, showing screening is working. Getting Around RI: URI students, faculty and staff can now ride RIPTA buses for free under a new U-Pass partnership, aiming to cut costs and ease campus traffic. Road Work Ahead: RIDOT begins temporary traffic pattern changes for the I-95/Route 10 interchange reconstruction in Cranston and Providence, including a ramp closure Oct. 2–5. Family-Friendly Outdoors: Narrow River Preservation Association hosted “What Lives in the River,” letting families wade, net, and view local wildlife up close. Health Access: South County Health joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network, expanding specialty consults without patients traveling out of state.

Transit & Roads: RIDOT begins temporary traffic pattern changes for the I-95/Route 10 interchange in Providence and Cranston starting Friday, with a Route 10 South to I-95 North ramp closure Oct. 2–5 and lane/striping shifts later in October—plan extra travel time. Local Transit Access: URI students, faculty, and staff start riding RIPTA buses for free under a new U-Pass partnership, aiming to cut parking pressure and help commuters reach jobs and internships. Coastal Tech & Tourism Buzz: Regent Craft’s electric Seaglider program keeps advancing—its Viceroy prototype flew over Narragansett Bay and a new Marine Corps-backed contract and factory opening highlight growing Rhode Island momentum. Family Fun: Sakonnet Vineyard’s second annual Harvest Festival runs Oct. 3–4 with live music, tours, tastings, and kid-friendly activities. Health & Travel Convenience: South County Health joins the Mayo Clinic Care Network, bringing Mayo specialists closer to Rhode Island patients. Waterfront Wildlife: Narrow River “What Lives in the River” events bring families to see local wildlife up close and learn how to protect it.

Wildlife & Family Fun: Narrow River Preservation Association hosted “What Lives in the River” at Middlebridge Marina in Narragansett, letting families and URI students spot local creatures in touch tanks and learn from local scientists—most animals are returned to the water. New Visitor Draw: Regent Craft’s electric seaglider “Viceroy” debuted over Narragansett Bay alongside the opening of its Quonset Point manufacturing facility in North Kingstown, signaling new jobs and a fresh kind of Rhode Island air-and-water travel. Health & Less Travel: South County Health became the first Rhode Island member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, aiming to bring Mayo specialists and second opinions to patients locally. Local Travel Logistics: RIDOT begins temporary traffic changes for the I-95/Route 10 interchange in Providence and Cranston starting Oct. 2, including a weekend ramp closure. Getting Around: URI students, faculty and staff can ride RIPTA buses for free with a new U-Pass partnership starting Thursday. Coastal Culture: Watch Hill’s “Swift” tourism angle keeps growing as the neighborhood leans into Taylor Swift’s local ties. Outdoor Weekend Plan: Sakonnet Vineyard’s free Harvest Festival runs Oct. 3–4 with tours, tastings, live music, and kid-friendly activities.

Newport Travel Spotlight: Conde Nast Traveler is calling Newport “New England’s gilded jewel,” spotlighting the city’s food scene and where to stay and play. Transportation Updates: RIDOT begins temporary traffic pattern changes for the I-95/Route 10 interchange in Providence and Cranston, including a weekend ramp closure and lane changes mid-October—plan for delays. Transit for Visitors & Locals: URI students, faculty, and staff start riding RIPTA buses for free under a new U-Pass partnership, easing campus travel and parking pressure. Big Innovation in RI: Regent’s electric seaglider factory in North Kingstown officially opened with a Marine Corps contract, aiming for up to 180 miles per charge. Health & Access: South County Health joins the Mayo Clinic Care Network, giving patients easier access to Mayo specialists without leaving Rhode Island. Local Water Tension: South Kingstown’s council voted to subpoena Veolia over rate increases and the company’s outdoor water ban impacts on residents and businesses. Safety on the Roads: Police report serious crashes in Cranston (motorcycle) and Fall River (bicyclist), with investigations ongoing.

Road & Traffic: RIDOT is rolling out temporary traffic pattern changes starting tonight (Oct. 2) for the I-95/Route 10 interchange reconstruction in Providence and Cranston, including a Route 10 South to I-95 North ramp shift and a weekend ramp closure Oct. 2–5 that could add commute time. Transit for Visitors & Locals: URI students, faculty, and staff start riding RIPTA buses for free under a new U-Pass partnership, using a URI ID card for unlimited rides statewide. Healthcare & Access: South County Health becomes Rhode Island’s first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, aiming to bring Mayo specialists and resources to local patients without extra travel. Local Water Worries: South Kingstown’s council voted to subpoena Veolia officials over rate increases and the company’s outdoor water ban and communications, with residents and businesses complaining through the summer. Family Fun: Sakonnet Vineyard’s free Harvest Festival returns Oct. 3–4 with live music, tastings, vineyard tours, and kid-friendly activities. Community Spotlight: A 106-year-old Wakefield-area WWII veteran, Arthur Medeiros, was honored at the World War II Museum.