R.I. Gen. Laws § 37-6.2-2

The director of transportation is hereby authorized to acquire by gift, purchase, or condemnation, in accordance with chapter 6 of this title, any interest, estate, or right in and to real property adjacent to or within federal aid highways of this state so as to improve strips of land necessary for the restoration, preservation, and enhancement of scenic beauty within and adjacent to highways, or for the establishment of publicly owned and controlled rest and recreation areas, sanitary, and other facilities within or adjacent to the right of way of the highways reasonably necessary to accommodate the traveling public.