R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-2-6: Widening of highways.

If any lands used and improved for twenty (20) years and upwards as a public highway or street, shall not in the judgment of the town council be wide enough for the necessities or convenience of the public, the town council may proceed to widen the highway in whole or in part, pursuing, as to the portions so widened, the steps required by law for laying out new highways.