Pell Bridge to close high speed lanes starting Monday
By Bianca Buono
@BBuonoABC6
Come Monday morning, driving in the high speed lanes on the Newport Pell Bridge won’t be possible. The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority is shutting down the lanes for the next two weeks.
Joe Demoura is a cab driver in Newport and spends most of his days on the Pell Bridge.
"Average, say at least 5–10 times a week,” said Joe Demoura, a cab driver in Newport.
The lane closures will make it harder for him to do his job.
"You’ve got a timing issue so now if you’ve got someone that you’re picking up from a hotel that needs to get to the airport at a particular time you have to take in effect your bridge time now,” Demoura said.
The closures are part of a $3.4 million upgrade to modernize the bridge’s tolling system. That includes adding new cameras, readers, lasers and much more. It will all lead to a more accurate read of E-ZPass transponders and license plate images.
A spokesman tells ABC6 that there are 220,000 E-ZPass holders in Rhode Island so keeping up with the latest technology is a priority.
"If they need to have repairs done they need to get done and we have to kind of put up with it. This is a good time of year to do it,” said Janet Garnier of Newport.
Because all drivers will now have to go through toll gates, even E-ZPass holders, drivers should expect traffic delays, especially during the morning and evening commutes.
"I don’t like to wait in traffic but it’s a pretty view!" said Garnier.
The project is expected to wrap up on April 13th, but officials say bad weather could extend their schedule.
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