R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-8-8
The director of transportation whenever and wherever laying out the plans and drawing up the specifications for the building and construction of curbs and sidewalks, as provided in this chapter, shall, whenever and wherever feasible and practical, cause and order the curb to be placed and set back from the outside paved or metal edge of the state road not less than eight feet (8'). The intervening part of the road between the outside paved or metal edge of the road and the curb shall be brought up to the proper grade and line of the road and shall have a continuous smooth surface so that the road shall have a continuous smooth surface from the center line of the road to the face of the curb. Whenever and wherever the director of transportation decides that in his or her opinion and judgment on certain roads and portions of certain roads it is not feasible and practical to build and construct the curb placed and set back not less than eight feet (8') from the outside paved or metal edge of the roads as provided in this chapter, the director of transportation shall cause and order the curb placed and set against the outside paved or metal edge of the roads; provided, the adjacent outside lane of vehicle travel of the paved or metal portion of the road is not less than twelve feet (12') in width where feasible and practicable.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-8-8