The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) today announced that it will be closing the high speed lanes (known as open road tolling or ORT lanes) to install new hardware and digital infrastructure in order to modernize the Newport Pell Bridge’s tolling apparatus.
UPDATE: April 8 – Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority has wrapped up updates on the Newport Pell Bridge earlier than scheduled, high speed tolling lanes will open midday today.
The closure of the high speed lanes is expected to last from Monday, March 28th until Wednesday, April 13th though construction and installation of the equipment is dependent on the weather. The Authority is anticipating traffic delays particularly during the morning and evening commutes.
The new upgraded toll collection system to be installed includes new cameras, lasers, multi-protocol readers, antennas, updated software, wiring, new servers and other digital equipment that will provide more accurate reads of E-ZPass transponders and license plate images. The Authority’s new toll collection system will provide a more secure and efficient method for storing data, staging for future upgrades, and a more reliable system for disaster recovery in the event of a major incident or natural disaster. In addition to the new electronic equipment, RITBA will also be replacing the concrete road bed in the vicinity of the toll booths and gantries.
The Authority apologizes for any inconvenience the closure may cause drivers during their commutes.
For more information, please contact RITBA at 401-423-0800, check its website at www.ritba.org, on Twitter or on Facebook.