PROJECTS 'IN MOTION'
TOWN PROJECT ONLINE DATABASE
The Town Project Online Database shares public information on Middletown's Projects across all departments. For any questions or concerns, please e-mail the Town Administrator at TownAdministrator@middletownri.gov.
PROJECT NAME:
Construction of a new Middle-High School Building
START DATE:
November 7, 2023
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
August 31, 2027
DEPARTMENT:
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In November 2023, Middletown voters approved a $190 million bond to construct a 211,000 square foot building that will serve about 1,100 students, grades six through 12. The new school building will be located just north of the current Gaudet Middle School, which will be demolished and replaced with recreational playing fields once the new facility is completed.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
The RTA process is about have way thru, most of the larger items have been awarded. At this point in the bidding and awarding process we are trending in a good direction. The construction fence is up and prep for the site is in process. Its time to build a school
The project is on time and on budget.
PROJECT NAME:
MHS Renovations for Consolidated Elementary School
START DATE:
January 3, 2025
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
August 31, 2027
DEPARTMENT:
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Town of Middletown is renovating the existing Middletown High School into a consolidated elementary school for grades 2 through 5, including administrative and maintenance offices. This transformation is part of a broader $190 million bond initiative approved by voters in November 2023, which also includes constructing a new combined middle-high school. The project aims to modernize educational facilities, enhance learning environments, and extend the useful life of existing buildings.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
Elementary School Complex RIDE Stage II has been approved along with 60% CD drawings. There a few comments we need to address but for the most part we are set to start work this summer. Most of the work this summer will be in the tunnels and bringing the new water main to feed sprinkler system up to the building
At the June 2nd Town Council meeting, a Recommendation to Award for a subcontractor to handle the Mechanical Systems Repairs at the current high school building was approved by the Town Council.
The project is on time and on budget.
PROJECT NAME:
Outdoor Activities Pavilion
START DATE:
June 6, 2025
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
June 6, 2026
DEPARTMENT:
SENIOR CENTER
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
To provide space for outdoor activities for the senior center's programs and events.
CONTINGENCIES:
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
Funds have been secured through the Community Development Building Grant (CDBG) program. Once the pavilion is built and paid for, the Town will seek reimbursement from CDBG. Draft bid documents are currently being assembled, and the project will go out to bid after July 1 in the FY2026 budget cycle.
PROJECT NAME:
Fire Engine Replacement
START DATE:
January 4, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
September 1, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
FIRE DEPARTMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Over the past several years, the Middletown Fire Department has faced increasing maintenance costs and growing reliability concerns due to the age and wear of our current frontline apparatus. The Town has ordered two new fire engines which represent a major investment in public safety, and a long-term commitment to protecting our residents, visitors, and businesses.
CONTINGENCIES:
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
We are proud to share with our Middletown community that two new Pierce fire trucks officially went into production this week, with final delivery expected this September. These vehicles will replace two of our department’s oldest and most heavily used fire engines, ensuring our firefighters have the tools they need to respond safely and efficiently to emergencies throughout town.
Each new fire truck is custom-built to meet the specific needs of our department and community. They will be equipped with the latest in fire suppression technology, enhanced safety features for our firefighters, and improved capabilities to respond to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, and hazardous conditions.
This project has been carefully planned and funded as part of our broader effort to modernize our fleet, reduce costly emergency repairs, and maintain the high standard of service the Middletown community expects and deserves.
As we look forward to the arrival of these new trucks in September, we remain committed to transparency, safety, and readiness—ensuring Middletown continues to be a safe place to live, work, and visit.
PROJECT NAME:
Purgatory Road Sidewalk Project
START DATE:
September 9, 2025
PROJECT STATUS:
DELAYED
END DATE:
May 22, 2026
DEPARTMENT:
PUBLIC WORKS
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Purgatory Road Sidewalk Project is a critical infrastructure initiative designed to enhance pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity along one of the community’s most traveled local roads. Purgatory Road serves residential neighborhoods, local schools, and recreational areas, yet currently lacks continuous sidewalk coverage, creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians and other non-motorized users.
CONTINGENCIES:
Project bid date has been delayed because we are waiting for CRMC and RIDEM approvals of design.
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
This project proposes the design and construction of new sidewalk segments along Purgatory Road to fill in existing gaps, ensure ADA compliance, and establish a safer, more accessible route for pedestrians of all ages and abilities. Improvements will include the installation of concrete sidewalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, improved crosswalks, and drainage upgrades where necessary. Where space allows, streetscape enhancements such as landscaping and signage will be incorporated to promote walkability and community character.
By providing a continuous and accessible pedestrian corridor, the project supports broader community goals of reducing reliance on vehicles, promoting active transportation, and increasing safety for all users. It aligns with local and regional transportation plans and will serve as a long-term investment in public health, mobility, and neighborhood quality of life.
PROJECT NAME:
2025 Red Road Paving Project
START DATE:
September 16, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
ON HOLD
END DATE:
June 27, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
PUBLIC WORKS
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Manage annual road paving projects utilizing pavement upgrade and/or pavement preservation techniques. Pavement Management Program details current condition assessment and ranking. Paving Scope(s): full depth mill to gravel base, gravel base to be replaced if existing gravel base is substandard, 2.5" binder and 1.5" top course; mill 1.5" and 1.5" top course.
CONTINGENCIES:
The Towns consulting engineering firm Crossman Engineering, Public Works and Town Engineer are reviewing deficiencies on Boulevard and Miantonomi Ave. We have concluded that an unusually high groundwater table has caused numerous failures of the newly installed roadway system. Crossman is in the process of designing corrective measures to rectify these deficiencies.
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
This Project includes full depth replacement of road base on Miantonomi Ave, Boulevard and Rosedale Terr followed by asphalt binder and top coat. With new drainage improvements installed on these roads and also new sewer main installed on Rosedale Terr. This project also included cold plain recycling of the existing road base with regrading of the road for the asphalt binder and top coat.
PROJECT NAME:
Infrastructure - Oxbow Sidewalks
START DATE:
December 3, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
ON HOLD
END DATE:
June 7, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
PUBLIC WORKS
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Install sidewalks in Oxbow neighborhood on south side of Rogers Lane and southeast side of Jean Street
CONTINGENCIES:
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
As of January 3, 2025, 65% of the project is complete. All 1 ½’’ binder course is completed. All but one Portland Cement ADA wheelchair ramp with detectable warning panel has been completed. All edges of the new sidewalk are backed up with loam and seeded. All transition patches from driveway to wheelchair ramps have been permanently paved. All edges from finished concrete to binder course are ramped up so as not to create a tripping hazard before finishing course is applied. The finishing course will be applied when the weather permits.
Asphalt work is scheduled to begin again on May 12, 2025. Once top coat of paving is complete, loom and seed application will follow to restore and finish the surrounding landscape.
PROJECT NAME:
Community Learning Center
START DATE:
July 1, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
October 31, 2026
DEPARTMENT:
OUTREACH PROGRAM
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The City of Newport and the Town of Middletown have partnered to develop a Community Learning Center at the Florence Gray Center in Newport. This initiative has secured a total of $7.5 million in federal funding through Rhode Island's Community Learning Center Municipal Grant program, part of the state's Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. The project is led by the Newport Housing Authority and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newport County, with support from both municipalities. The center aims to offer programs focused on education, workforce development, and health monitoring, serving residents of both communities. The collaboration between Newport and Middletown reflects a commitment to enhancing community services and resources, fostering a culture of learning, and improving the well-being of residents in both municipalities.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
6/2/25
Alhborg Construction was approved as the Construction Manager at Risk at the 4/23/25 Newport City Council Meeting. They will be meeting with the architect to discuss the project the week of 5/27/25. Groundbreaking is slated for later summer.
A Director for the Community Learning Center has been appointed to coordinate outreach, ensure compliance with grant requirements, and establish agreements with service providers. This role is jointly funded by Newport and Middletown, each contributing $50,000, supplemented by additional funding from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation and the state.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number CP FF N 0169 by the US Department of the Treasury.
PROJECT NAME:
Middletown Library Construction Project
START DATE:
February 21, 2025
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
February 21, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
LIBRARY
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Middletown Public Library is relocating to a 29,952-square-foot building at 110 Enterprise Center, saving taxpayers at least $14 million compared to previous plans. Purchased for $3.3 million, the property requires minimal renovations, offers ample parking, and enhances accessibility for patrons. The new facility will feature expanded spaces for teens, meetings, and study rooms, improving library services for the community.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
May 28 update:
-The RFQ for Architectural Services was posted on May 22. There was a pre-bid meeting for all interested hosted by the Downes Construction (OPM) team, the Library Director, the Facilities Director, and the Finance Director.
-The target is for the the selection process to take about a month or so.
-Downes is also developing a draft RFP for a construction manager to have it ready in time once the architect is hired.
-The Facilities Director investigated the opportunity for RI Energy Incentives but none are available. The building already has LED lighting and the existing HVAC equipment is sufficient.
-The Library Director, on behalf of the Library Board of Trustees, submitted a Letter of Intent to the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) to begin the process of applying for public library construction reimbursement. This is the first step of the application process.
PROJECT NAME:
Dunlap Wheeler Park Improvements Design Project
START DATE:
September 1, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
February 28, 2026
DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Develop a plan to improve Dunlap-Wheeler Park to better serve the community, in the context of infrastructure improvements envisioned for lower Aquidneck Avenue. The park is in a highly visible location and serves as a gateway to Middletown and the Atlantic Beach District. It has potential as a community gathering place, but currently it has few amenities.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
Presentation of initial concept plan to Open Space & Fields Committee for discussion happened on March 19, 2025, during the committee's regular meeting. Based on the committee's input and that of the Tree Commission the concepts were refined and prepared for a public workshop designed to gather community input on the project. This public workshop was held on June 17th where a single preferred concept was presented. The concept will be further refined and presented to the Town Council in the Fall.
PROJECT NAME:
Comprehensive Community Plan Update
START DATE:
November 15, 2023
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
November 15, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Comprehensive Plan Update Committee with consultant assistance from Stantec is in the process of drafting the next comprehensive plan for the Town. The effort began with the housing element and has continued with work on the transportation, climate change/resilience, and land use elements. Monthly committee meetings as well as public workshop sessions have been held. Final draft of the full comprehensive plan to be completed by November 2025.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
A second public workshop was held Jan. 23. Input being used to craft vision statements and priorities for each plan element. The next public workshop meeting was held on June 12th to present and accept input on draft strategies and actions for each plan element. The input received will be used help craft the action items for each of the elements.
Over the Summer the consultant team and Town staff will work on producing the drafts of each element which will be presented to the Comp Plan Update Committee in the Fall. The next monthly committee meeting will be on September 11th, 6pm.
PROJECT NAME:
Middletown Center Development
START DATE:
February 5, 2025
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
September 30, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
In October 2024, the council announced it had signed a 99-year agreement with local developers for the 15 acres of town property along West Main Road. The town properties include the former Navy Lodge land at the corner of Coddington Highway and West Main Road; the West Main Road Recreational Complex with Pottsy Field; the Middletown Public Library; and the former Kennedy School site. The agreement is to develop the land as a mixed use development with a hotel, retail, office and residential housing. Once completed, this proposed development will generate $1 million-plus annual revenue for the town in lease payments, hotel and meal tax, and commercial property taxes.
CONTINGENCIES:
NARRATIVE:
The proposed zoning ordinance and comp plan amendments needed to allow the development to proceed were considered during Planning Board meetings held on February 5th, April 3rd and April 24th. On April 24th the Planning Board voted unanimously to send the proposed amendments to the Town Council with a positive recommendation, subject to certain requested modifications. The Town Council will consider the Planning Board's recommendations and hold public hearings on the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance amendments in the coming weeks. The amendments would be subject to the Town first securing approval to relocate the land use restriction currently on the West Main Recreation Complex.
If the amendments are ultimately adopted, the developers would then be able to submit the land development project application to the Planning Board for consideration.
PROJECT NAME:
Financial Software - Consolidation Town and & School
START DATE:
July 1, 2024
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
June 30, 2025
DEPARTMENT:
FINANCE
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Implement new accounting software.
CONTINGENCIES:
None at this time
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
The Town and School Department have begun to implement a new financial software system that would consolidate their separate software into one software. This will create efficiency and ease of reviewing the accounting of both the town and school. The finance staff and vendor are going through uploading prior years history and information, along with creating proper internal controls within the system. The Finance Department is currently training with the various different modules. Training will be ongoing up until the go live date and thereafter. Department heads are tentatively set to be trained in June 2025.
PROJECT NAME:
Infrastructure - Atlantic Beach Streetscapes Design
START DATE:
March 6, 2018
PROJECT STATUS:
IN PROGRESS
END DATE:
February 28, 2026
DEPARTMENT:
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Engineering services contract with VHB to design improvements based on the Atlantic Beach Master Plan, completed August 2007. Proposed improvements include reconstruction of Aquidneck Ave., realignment of travel lanes, sidewalk installation and improvements, drainage improvements, street furniture (benches, trash receptacles), street trees, and decorative street lighting includes Newport Ave./Aquidneck intersection modification. The Town Council has also decided to proceed with the design for undergrounding the overhead utility lines in conjunction with the streetscapes project.
CONTINGENCIES:
Project completion depends on Town Council authorization to proceed to final design.
NARRATIVE:
The 30% design plans have been completed, reviewed by town officials & committees, and presented during a public workshop meeting. On March 3rd, the Town Council approved to proceed to 90% design. The 90% plans will be designed to accommodate undergrounding of overhead utilities in the event that funding for that aspect of the project is identified in the future. The Town's engineering consultants are currently working to complete the 90% plans this summer. The consultant has also been engaged to coordinate the design work of the three utilities to underground overhead lines (RI Energy, Cox, Verizon)
PROJECT NAME:
Housing - East Main Road (EMR)
START DATE:
January 1, 2025
PROJECT STATUS:
PLANNING
END DATE:
July 30, 2027
DEPARTMENT:
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
BUDGET:
ON BUDGET
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Town of Middletown purchased property and is planning affordable housing at 351, 361, and 393 East Main Road, a 4.5-acre site across the street from Town Hall. The project plans to construct 20 to 30 deed-restricted homes for first-time homebuyers, targeting residents earning up to 120% of the area median income. The town received nearly $2 million in funding from Rhode Island Housing for this initiative. Design firms are currently being solicited to advance the project.
CONTINGENCIES:
MORE INFORMATION:
If more project information is available, the button below will include navigation to any additional websites or reports.
NARRATIVE:
East Main Road Homeownership: On Thursday, May 1, the Affordable Housing Committee will receive the updated designs prepared by an architectural firm on three options for the houses for the East Main Road subdivision. The three options are: all single family, all townhomes, and a combination of single family and townhomes. The committee members voted in favor of recommending the mixed housing plan that combines attached and detached houses.
The Town Council received the recommendation and presentation on the housing development at the May 19 meeting, and approved moving forward with the mixed housing plan as presented.