R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-8-1.1: Rhode Island highway system — Purpose.

The purpose of §§ 24-8-1.1 — 24-8-1.7 is to establish a pavement management program to better maintain the state’s highways in a safe and serviceable condition. In order to fairly distribute funds for a pavement management program, an equitable system to determine jurisdiction on highways is needed. The principles of highway functional classification, or the importance of roads in terms of the type of travel service provided, shall be used to determine jurisdiction. Roads serving longer-distance travel, connecting city and town centers and major traffic generators shall be the state’s responsibility. Roads serving local travel shall be under city or town jurisdiction.