Maple Street Hoy Hill Closed During Storms, Officials Announce

Newport municipal leaders announced on December 19, 2025 that the section of Maple Street known locally as Hoy Hill, just west of the Paradise Road intersection, will be temporarily closed to through traffic during the most intense hours of winter storms. The town police department posted a public notice outlining the closures, which were endorsed by Newport Police Chief Alex Lee, Fire Chief Steve Yannuzzi and Public Works Director Chris Pelletier.

Officials cited a pattern of collisions and operational challenges on the stretch, noting that between 2021 and 2025 an average of 20 percent of winter motor vehicle collisions in Newport occurred on Maple Street. The notice stated that as of December 19, 2025, 36 percent of motor vehicle collisions in the town during December 2025 had occurred on Maple Street. Contributing factors listed include a steep grade, sharp curves, a tree canopy that blocks sunlight, and rapid re freeezing after plowing and treatment.

Temporary safety measures will include signage and physical barricades placed in a manner that allows residents access while preventing cut through traffic. Drivers are being asked to use Route 11 or Route 103 instead during closure periods. The town emphasized that closures apply only during the most intense storm hours and are intended to reduce the number of collisions and minimize emergency response risk.

The notice also described longer term options under consideration, including pre treatment with brine, re engineering of the roadway, enhanced signage, and reduced speed limits. Those measures will require further study and funding before any work is scheduled. Public safety and public works leaders said operational testing and budget planning will determine whether and when permanent changes are implemented.

For local residents the temporary closures mean planning alternate routes for errands, work commutes, and school transport during storms. The policy aims to keep emergency access open while reducing the incidence of dangerous cut through traffic on a road with known hazards. Questions may be directed to Police Chief S. Alex Lee at the Newport Police Department, contact details were included in the town notice.