Politics & Government

Officials to Install Temporary Median on Newport Pell Bridge

In response to a growing concern about saftey on the Newport Pell Bridge, officials will install a temporary reflective barrier and increase police enforcement.

Officials will install temporary delineators on the Newport Pell Bridge in response to a growing call for the installation of a permanent median, The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) announced Thursday morning. 

The barrier should be installed in two weeks, according to Beth Bailey, a RITBA spokeswoman. The delineators are plastic yellow devices with reflectors intended to alert drivers to stay within their lane.

On Christmas Eve, a 73-year-old man was killed in a head-on collision on the bridge. He was the third person killed on the bridge in just over 2 years.  

The installation will begin in about two weeks with the project costing around $70,000.

RITBA officials also announced they will take steps to reduce speeding and distracted driving on the bridge. They will install cameras on the bridge and issue letters to drivers with hopes that it will deter speeders, said Bailey. Additionally, Rhode Island State Police will increase the number of patrols on the bridge and ticket speeders.

Last week, Newport City Council unanimously voted to urge RIBTA to install a median on the bridge.  Middletown Town Council passed a similar resolution two days earlier

RIBTA will vote on permanent barriers at their March board meeting.

 











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