RIDOT permanently closing old Downtown Newport exit

NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation said that the old Downtown Newport exit on Route 138 East will be permanently closed Friday night.

RIDOT said that all traffic will use the new ramp system to get downtown.

The department advised drivers travelling to the area to stay left after the old off-ramp and use one of the two lanes for turning left at the new JT Connell Connector Road, then left again onto JT Connell Highway toward Farewell Street and Downtown.

“The new ramp system was designed to improve safety and reduce congestion, especially the backup of vehicles on the bridge from the Downtown Newport exit,” RIDOT said in a statement.

The change comes in addition to the Newport Pell Bridge construction project, which is expected to finish in 2024.