Early risers across Aquidneck Island and Conanicut Island should prepare for traffic detours and delays this Sunday morning as 4,000 runners take to the Claiborne Pell Bridge for the sold-out Citizens Pell Bridge run.
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Foundation will host the annual charity event on Sunday, Oct. 19, with the first wave of runners starting at 7:15 a.m. The 4-mile point-to-point race starts in Jamestown and finishes in downtown Newport, offering participants the only opportunity of the year to cross the iconic Newport Pell Bridge on foot while taking in sweeping views of Narragansett Bay.
The event has reached its capacity of 4,000 participants.
All net proceeds from the event benefit local nonprofits and community organizations. The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Foundation supports approximately 30 Rhode Island charities annually through funds raised by the Citizens Pell Bridge run and the 4 Bridges ride.
What to expect
Police will begin closing roads at 6:30 a.m., with rolling closures affecting both Jamestown and Newport through mid-morning. The most significant impact will be felt on the Pell Bridge itself, where motor vehicle traffic will be reduced to a single alternating lane in both directions from 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
During that window, vehicles over 18 feet in combined length will not be permitted to travel westbound from Newport to Jamestown.
Road closure details
In Jamestown, East Shore Road will be closed between Conanicus Avenue and the Route 138 off-ramp from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
On the Claiborne Pell Bridge, Single alternating lane traffic in both directions from 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., with restrictions on larger vehicles heading westbound.
In Newport: The westbound lane of JT Connell Highway and causeway from the bridge will be closed from 7:10 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., with the roundabout to Farewell Street closed to traffic. Farewell Street will remain closed through America’s Cup Avenue from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Delays are expected on America’s Cup Avenue and Farewell Street until 9 a.m. Van Zandt Avenue at Farewell Street will also be closed.
Only registered athletes will be permitted on the bridge during the event.
Event details
Participants who haven’t yet picked up their race bibs can do so Sunday morning starting at 5:15 a.m. at the Newport Bus Depot, though organizers strongly encourage early pickup to avoid race-day delays. Shuttles will run from Newport to the Jamestown starting line beginning at 5:30 a.m., with the last departure at 6:45 a.m.
The race will feature multiple wave starts of 200-300 participants each, beginning at 7:15 a.m., with runners encouraged to self-seed by pace. All finishers will receive a medal, with awards presented to the top overall finishers and age-group winners.
For more information about the Citizens Bank Pell Bridge run, visit www.pellbridgerun.com.