Naval Station Newport

Naval Station Newport is gearing up for heavy traffic starting Monday when federal employees head back to work following recent Executive Orders.

Base officials are urging commuters and visitors to plan for extra travel time, especially during the morning rush from 6 to 9 a.m. on weekdays.

“We’re asking people to build in some extra time for their commute to deal with longer waits and traffic at the base entrance,” said Bruce Katz, Public Affairs Officer at Naval Station Newport.

The expected congestion will likely affect all entry points, with longer lines and wait times.

To speed things up, drivers should have their access credentials and passes ready when they reach the gates.

“This will help move traffic through the entrances more quickly,” Katz added.

Base officials are keeping an eye on traffic patterns and may take additional steps to manage the increased volume if needed.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...