Southern Portion Of Newport Cliff Walk Closed For Repairs

NEWPORT, RI — A portion of the southern end of the Newport Cliff Walk has been closed for repairs, city officials said Thursday.

City officials said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution following the discovery of a sinkhole first reported by a community member through the 311 ReportIt! Newport app.

The roughly ¼ mile-long closure, which extends from the tunnel due east of Clarendon Court to the stairs leading to the Miramar sidewalk, is part of the Newport Cliff Walk’s more rugged southern section.

According to city officials, the area of concern centers on part of a raised walkway stretching from Clarendon Court to Miramar, both private estates. Upon surveying the sinkhole, city engineers noticed the Cliff Walk concrete path behind Miramar had settled about 1 inch and had visible cracking. While investigating the cause of the sinkholes, engineers also noticed deteriorated and exposed seawall footings.

Hikers can access the remainder of the trail, traversing past landmarks such as Rough Point and Lands End at entrances at either Ledge Road or Bailey’s Beach East.

Due to the location, signage will alert hikers to the closure at both Marine Avenue and Ledge Road.

More details about the extent of the repairs and duration of the closure will be shared as more information becomes available, city officials said.

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