R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-5-19: Bridges and fences along preexisting watercourses.

Whenever any highway has been or shall be laid out, over, or by the side of any artificial watercourse made previously to the laying out of the highway, the town laying out the highway shall make and maintain the necessary bridges over the watercourse and the fences along the side of the watercourse as may be needed for the safety of travelers.