A new section of Route 37 west near the Natick Avenue intersection, built as part of a $3 million safety improvement project, has opened.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation last week announced that the “new curved section of roadway” would open on the night of May 14.

“The new section begins after Exit 1A (I-295 South), with the road curving to the right before returning to the original highway. The new curve is designed to encourage drivers to slow down as they approach the end of the limited access highway and traffic signal at Natick Avenue,” a statement from RIDOT reads. “This location has had a high number of crashes, most of them from people failing to reduce their speed and stop at the end of the highway. From January 2015 to February 2021 there were 38 run-off-the-road crashes (running through the light and the guardrail, onto private property) and 44 rear-end crashes at the light.”

It continues: “The project also includes a slight realignment of the ramp from I-295 southbound to Route 37, which will be completed this week. Remaining tasks include the installation of a new traffic signal with two left turning lanes onto Natick Avenue southbound and the installation of additional signs notifying drivers that the highway is ending.”

‘Ringleader’ of stolen vehicles, equipment scheme pleads guilty

A Cranston man who federal authorities say was the “ringleader” of a nine-member interstate scheme to steal and sell nearly $700,000 worth of vehicles and heavy equipment has pleaded guilty, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

Jose A. Montes, 36, also known as Jose Rivera and “Tuto,” pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and eight counts of interstate transportation of stolen property, prosecutors announced in a statement. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 3.

According to the U.S. attorney, Montes acknowledged during an appearance before U.S. District Court Mary S. McElroy that he and his co-conspirators “broke into businesses in four New England states in order to steal three Bobcat excavators, ten jet skis, three boats, eight all-terrain vehicles, and fourteen trailers, valued at nearly $700,000.” The stolen items were then stored at locations in various locations around New England. Some were also hauled to Florida.

The thefts are said to have occurred between late 2019 and mid-2020. The investigation of the case was initiated by police in Johnston and North Providence, and multiple other agencies, including the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, later joined in.

-- Daniel Kittredge