Newport Pell Bridge Lane To Reopen After Traffic Nightmare

NEWPORT, R.I. — Heavy traffic on Tuesday on the Newport Pell Bridge caused officials to change the lane closure during rush hour, according to the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA). Westbound traffic has a single lane for 1,000-feet, which caused much of the back up.

Now, instead of a 24-hour closure, officials are opening both westbound lanes of traffic from 3 to 7 p.m. through Friday, Nov. 30.

"RITBA sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused during Tuesday evening’s rush hour," a release from RITBA said."

The work on the bridge is to complete the final stage of the concrete safety walk renovations, RITBA said. The walk, on the north side of the bridge, was demolished, had its rebar repaired, and had new concrete poured.

See RITBA's press release here.

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Photo credit: Google Street View screenshot