From downtown mobility planning to major coastal infrastructure, VHB brought real‑world project experience to the forefront at the 2026 Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Northeastern District Meeting in Newport, Rhode Island. Through technical presentations and hands‑on tours, VHB team members demonstrated how transportation ideas move from planning to implementation—using Newport and the surrounding region as a living laboratory for safety, connectivity, and resiliency.
Several VHB‑led sessions highlighted local and regional projects that connected planning and design concepts to on‑the‑ground outcomes. Rachel Dooley, who also served as a co‑chair of the meeting and has helped plan the event since October 2024, and Rick Rhodes shared insights from Transforming Newport’s Gateway: Advancing Connectivity and Sustainability through the Pell Bridge Approaches Reconstruction Project.
The Pell Bridge Approaches project reflects RIDOT’s commitment to modernizing Rhode Island’s transportation network while preserving Newport’s scenic and historic character. It replaced an outdated roadway system with a more efficient, multimodal network that consolidated infrastructure and reclaimed land for future development. Enhancements included bridge rehabilitation, a new bicycle path along the existing rail corridor, a park‑and‑ride facility on JT Connell Highway, a reconstructed at‑grade rail crossing, and wetland and stormwater improvements. Together, these changes have improved connectivity, reduced congestion, and created a safer, more intuitive gateway into downtown Newport for residents, businesses, and visitors.
“The Pell Bridge Approaches project shows how thoughtful transportation design can do more than move traffic—it can reconnect communities, support future development, and create a safer, more intuitive gateway into a city,” said Rachel Dooley. “Presenting this work right here in Newport allowed us to share how integrated, multimodal solutions can translate planning goals into real, lasting outcomes.”
VHB also presented Reimagining Travel in Downtown Norwich: Chelsea Harbor/Downtown Mobility Study, led by Joe Balskus with Dan Amstutz. The session highlighted how VHB partnered with the City of Norwich, Connecticut, to turn a targeted downtown mobility concept into a city‑wide, multimodal vision—advancing Complete Streets, strengthening waterfront access, and building broad public and agency support for implementation.
Additional VHB presentations led by Ankita Rathi, Ryan Wolf, Noah Yoskowitz, and Amir Rizavi addressed roadway safety, policy, and transportation planning topics, including closing data gaps through innovation and collaboration, navigating the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) updates and Massachusetts amendments, and prioritization strategies for accelerating active transportation enhancements. Together, these sessions reflected VHB’s integrated approach to planning, design, policy, and implementation.
Beyond traditional presentations, VHB contributed to experiential learning opportunities that reinforced conference themes. The walking tour, Transportation Access and 26 Pirates: Rethinking Connectivity to Goat Island, was led by Skye Levin and Andrew Reeder in coordination with RIDOT and offered participants on-the-ground insight into transportation challenges unique to coastal and island contexts. VHB team members Kayla Northup and Zach Tiang also led a Newport Bicycle Tour, highlighting recent and ongoing transportation projects throughout the city.
Several VHB Providence staff also served on the meeting’s Local Arrangements Committee, helping plan and execute the event, including Ryan Bloomer, Skye Levin, Ben Menezes, Kayla Northup, and Zach Tiang.
Through its role as a Platinum Sponsor and strong regional participation, VHB’s presence at the 2026 ITE Northeastern District Meeting reflects its mission to advance transportation solutions that connect people, places, and communities. By sharing knowledge and leading conversations, VHB helps turn ideas into implementation across Rhode Island and the Northeast.
Connect with VHB’s Transportation Planning and Engineering teams to learn how integrated approaches move projects from planning to implementation.
