RI Lawmakers Break Ground On Newport Bridge Ramp Project

Newport RI

16 July, 2021

3:24 PM

Description

NEWPORT, RI — Gov. Dan McKee, Rhode Island's congressional delegation and other state leaders gathered Friday to officially kick off a major project on the Newport Pell Bridge. The Phase Two project will redesign the road leading to the bridge. McKee called the project "a big win on many fronts." "It will solve chronic safety and congestion issues, provide a unique opportunity for economic growth, and serve as an attractive gateway to Newport," McKee said at the groundbreaking. The project plan reimagines the road leading to the bridge, creating new ramps aimed at cutting down on traffic congestion. The new design is smaller than the original, which will free up about 25 acres of land for development, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation said. "The Pell Bridge is the gateway to Aquidneck Island," Sen. Jack Reed said. "Whether you are traveling to Newport attractions or the Naval Station, this project will make your trip safer and faster." Reed, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was worked for more than 10 years to get funding for the project, RIDOT said. "It took many years and many hands to bring this project to this stage," Reed continued. "The entire community contributed, leading to an improved design that includes bike and pedestrian paths as prominent features." The total project is projected to cost $84.9 million, funded in part by a $20 million federal grant Reed secured for the state. At this point, crews are working to make repairs along JT Connell Highway and Coddington Highway from Admiral Kalbfus Road to West Main Road in Middletown. The main part of the project, $74 million, will include all changes to the ramps. The first phase is set to be complete by the end of the year, with phase two scheduled to wrap up by the end of 2024. Here's a look at some project highlights, from RIDOT: Removing the elevated "highway to nowhere" that terminates near the Wayfinder Hotel and former Newport Grand/Newport Jai Alai property. This frees up several parcels for economic development opportunities.Removing and relocating the Downtown Newport exit from the Pell Bridge. This will reduce an estimated 80 percent of rear-end and sideswipe crashes.Building a park and ride lot and bike path to provide a connection to Downtown Newport near the Newport Visitors Center. This would connect to a series of bike lanes being built to the north as part of the Phase 1 project.Removing a sharp curve to Admiral Kalbfus Road which will result in a 65 percent reduction in crashes.Realigning the Farewell Street and America's Cup Avenue intersection and installing a new signal to improve traffic flow and safety.Converting the rotary at JT Connell Highway and Admiral Kalbfus Road into a modern roundabout, with lower speeds and pedestrian crossings on all approaches. The new design will reduce crashes by nearly two-thirds.Installing a traffic signal and make other improvements at the intersection of Malbone Road and Girard Avenue, including pedestrian crossing features. These changes are expected to reduce up to 75 percent of crashes.