Community Corner

Strong Wind Advisory, Newport Bridge Bans Box Trucks

There is an advisory in effect until 3 p.m. today

[update at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, vehicle restrictions on the Pell Bridge have been removed.  RITBA has reopened the bridge to all traffic.]

Around 6:00 a.m. this morning, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority closed the Newport Pell Bridge to box trucks and certain commercial vehicles due to sustained gusty winds in excess of 64 mph. 

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory until 3 p.m. today.

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the RI Turnpike and Bridge Authority's website:

Travel may be restricted when winds originating from directions perpendicular to the bridge are recorded in excess of 58 miles per hour. Prohibited vehicles during these period are typically panel vans, panel body/box trucks when empty, truck/trailer combinations when empty, house trailers, and motor homes. Closure of the bridge to all traffic will be considered if winds increase to a sustained 69 miles per hour in the above specified directions

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Have you seen any wind related damage around town?  Tell us in the comments


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