Road closures
Bridge construction will require the closures of Exit 18A to Route 146 South off I-295 North; Exit 8A to I-295 North off Route 146 South; the Route 146 North and South service roads and their corresponding exits 18B off I-295 North and 18A off I-295 South; and alternating lane or full road closures detoured to the service roads for bridge construction on both directions of Route 146 and the service roads from Exit 8A to Exit 8C, Sunday through Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. according to a release from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. RIDOT will also close Route 146A South at the Spring Brook Bridge, and the ramp from Route 146 South to Route 146A North, for bridge demolition, Sunday-Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Drivers are advised to follow signed detours.
Blood drive
North Smithfield High School will host a blood drive on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of the school at 412 Greenville Road. Register to donate by visiting ribc.org/drives using sponsor code #0519. Walk in donations will also be accepted if space permits.
Adopt a hydrant
With winter weather now here, North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Service is asking the community to help keep fire hydrants and cisterns free of snow and ice. The department noted that fire crews go out to clear the emergency infrastructure after a storm, but with more than 150 hydrants and cisterns in North Smithfield help from residents is always appreciated.
Those with hydrants on or near their property are asked to considered clearing it so personnel can access it in case of a fire.
Santa at the Barn
Santa will be at Beef Barn Restaurant’s Pound Hill Creamery at 200 Industrial Drive on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15 from noon until 4 p.m. Locals are invited to stop by for pictures with Santa Claus at the creamery, just to the right of the restaurant.
The event is free and all are welcome.
Tree lighting
The North Smithfield Parks & Recreation Department will present the annual town tree lighting on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the gazebo by Town Hall at 83 Green St. Families are invited for kids crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and a visit with Santa.
Town meetings
The North Smithfield Special Education Local Advisory Committee will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the library of North Smithfield High School at 412 Greenville Road. The agenda is here.
North Smithfield Fire & Rescue Service will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10 starting at 6:30 p.m. at 1470 Providence Pike. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Zoning Board will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10 starting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
The North Smithfield Planning Board will hold a meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12 starting at 7 p.m. at Town Hall at 83 Green St. The agenda is here.
Editor’s note: An original version of this article stated that the tree lighting was from 4-7 p.m. We apologize for the error.
