Construction to the Newport Pell Bridge to impact commuter traffic

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — Construction to the Newport Pell Bridge beginning Monday will impact traffic to and from the City by the Sea.

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority said improvements will likely impact commuters.

“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.”

Both directions of traffic will be reduced to one lane between the old toll plaza and the bridge.

Officials advised drivers to zipper merge when the lanes close.

Crews will 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 reduction is set to be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week until April of next year. During that time, no vehicles wider than 8 feet, 6 inches will be allowed on the bridge.