NORTH SMITHFIELD – The pedestrian hit on Sunday at the intersection of Route 146 and Sayles Hill Road has died, according to Rhode Island State Police.
Raymond Mercier, 57, of Attleboro, Mass., was hit by a car around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29 while trying to cross Route 146 from the northbound side. Mercier was unresponsive following the accident.
He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where he later died.
The driver, who was not injured, was from North Smithfield, according to reports.
State police said neither speed nor impairment appeared to be a factor in the incident, which remains under investigation.
The dangerous intersection and condition of the surrounding highway has long been a concern for local officials, and a frequent scene of crashes. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has estimated that the town sees some 85 accidents per year by the busy road crossing, located by Anchor Subaru.
Recently, RIDOT secured a $65 million federal grant for improvements to the road, and plans include elimination of the traffic light at the intersection.
Anyone with information about the accident on Sunday is asked to contact the State Police Lincoln Barracks at (401) 444-1100.
