By Sandy McGee
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority has ceased all maintenance work on both the Mount Hope and Pell Bridges Tuesday after a subcontractor fell off scaffolding and died.
"This morning, at approximately 8:30 a.m., an employee of a subcontractor tasked with the steel painting and repair work of the Mount Hope Bridge, fell approximately 70 feet," wrote RDW Director of Public Relations Beth Bailey in a statement on behalf of the RITBA.
"911 was called and emergency personnel transported him to Rhode Island Hospital," Bailey wrote.
RITBA, which provides maintenance on both the Mount Hope and Pell Bridges, has ceased all work at this time.
"The bridge is open, and out of an abundance of caution we have stopped work on both the Newport Pell and Mount Hope Bridges pending a review of safety procedures and requirements," said Bailey.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident, reports The Providence Journal.
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