Story Created:
Jun 19, 2008 at 5:22 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Jun 19, 2008 at 6:09 PM EDT
Rhode Island's DOT is putting more and more weight restrictions on the state's deteriorating bridges. One of the latest is the Sakonnet River Bridge.
The Bridge connects Tiverton and Portsmouth and is more than 50 years old. It is rusting and deteriorating so quickly that the RI DOT keeps lowering the allowed weight. First it was 22 tons, now it is 18 tons.
It makes you wonder, how safe is the span? And now, this latest restriction is being talked about as something that could cripple the summer tourism business in Newport.
As the weight allowance goes down, costs of shipping products and people go up. Five thousand motor coach tour buses usually hit up Newport sites each year. Now they'll have to be detoured, adding miles and minutes to the trip. Some may not even make the trip because of the extra costs. Even food deliveries from Boston and New Bedford are expected to feel the pinch.
ABC 6 reporter Parker Gavigan has the story...
Monday, Jun 23 at 11:28 AM Clay Commons wrote ...
The change of route for the Tiverton / lLittle Compton bus is being reported as a "detour". If you would look at the map, you will see that this is not a detour, but a termination of service to those towns. I suggested to RIPTA that they send a smaller bus over the Sakonnet River bridge to collect the few passengers that use the service. No response to date. But it would be nice if you called a spade a spade, rather than just reading RIPTA's press release. Clay Commons Portsmouth, RI
Friday, Jun 20 at 1:28 PM Christine in Portsmouth wrote ...
I feel that something needs to be done to make the bridge safe for travelers as soon as possible. As for myself, family, and friends who commute over the bridge several times a day, I fear for their safety.
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