Renewed calls for old Sakonnet Bridge removal

July 26, 2015 11:39 pm

By: Melissa Randall

Reporting By: Kirsten Glavin

kglavin@abc6.com

Controversy is brewing over the old Sakonnet river bridge that connects Tiverton and Portsmouth. Although no longer in use many say: it needs to go.

"We have a great state, a beautiful state. This is the entrance to Newport— one of the hottest places to come as a tourist in the entire country— especially on the East Coast. And this is what we want people to see? I don't want people to see this. I want people to see this gone. And very soon," said Rep. John Edwards, House Majority Whip.

It's been two and a half years, since the Rhode Island Department of Transportation announced it would take the old bridge down. The project could cost up to $16 million.

"It should come down. It's a wasting asset. And the longer it takes, the more it's going to cost," said John Vitkevich, a community advocate.

Many are left wondering why the old bridge still stands. Representative Edwards says the D.O.T. is lacking one environmental permit.

Wire fence is up blocking pedestrians, from access.

ABC6 did reach out to RIDOT for comment, but our calls were not returned. However, the department did respond to Rep. Edward's initial complaints saying that the project is postponed, another year.