Officials warn commuters of upcoming lane changes on the Newport Pell Bridge

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority is warning commuters of upcoming lane restrictions on the Newport Pell Bridge starting this month.

The agency said Tuesday that eastbound traffic will be down to one lane between the old toll plaza and the bridge beginning Oct. 16. Traffic will be down to one lane for the same 900-yard distance on the westbound side.

“We wanted to give commuters and those who rely on the Newport Pell Bridge advance notice that they may experience delays in the coming months,” said Executive Director Lori Caron Silveira. “We intend for the work to be completed in the off-season but know that there will be delays as motorists become accustomed to the new traffic pattern in the next few weeks.”

The changes will allow crews to work on rehabilitation of the bridge, including single-span approach bridge structure, realignment of the highway to bring it to standard, installation of a new toll gantry, and the demolition of the current toll plaza.

The first phase of the work is expected to be done in April.