Open Road Tolling Lanes To Close For Newport Bridge Transition

NEWPORT, RI — Expect some traffic changes on Newport's Pell Bridge in the coming days. From Oct. 14 through 28, the open road tolling lanes will close on both sides of the bridge as part of the transition to all-electronic tolling.

The open-road tolling lanes are the "free flow" lanes through the tolling plaza, allowing drivers with an E-ZPass transponder to drive through without stopping. All drivers will have to do through the regular gated lanes during the closure. To accommodate rush hour traffic, the outer open-road lane will be open in both directions from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Lori Caron Silveira, the executive director of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, encouraged drivers to make sure their E-ZPass transponders are properly mounted, and that their account is up-to-date.

"Motorists are asked to use caution while travelling through the plaza and allow extra
travel time," Caron Silveira said. "We are taking all necessary steps to minimize
the potential impact that the closure of the ORT lanes may have on travel through the plaza. We appreciate everyone’s patience and attention to safety as we complete this important project."

The approximately two-week closure will allow crews to install the equipment and software needed to move to all-electronic tolling starting Oct. 27.