The Citizens Pell Bridge Run returns Sunday, Aug. 30, bringing rolling road closures to both ends of the bridge during the early morning hours.
The 4-mile run and walk starts at 7 a.m. on Conanicus Avenue in Jamestown and finishes in downtown Newport. It is the only day of the year pedestrians are allowed on the Claiborne Pell Bridge. This year’s race is sold out.
The event moved from its traditional October date to accommodate significant maintenance and improvements planned for the bridge this fall.
Road closures
Jamestown: East Shore Road will be closed between Conanicus Avenue and the Route 138 off-ramp from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m.
The bridge: Traffic will be reduced to a single alternating lane in both directions from 7 to 8:15 a.m. Vehicles over 18 feet in combined length will be restricted from traveling westbound during that window.
Newport: The westbound lane of J.T. Connell Highway and the causeway will be closed from 7:10 to 8:30 a.m., with the stretch from the roundabout to Farewell Street closed entirely. Farewell Street will be closed through America’s Cup Avenue from 7:15 to 8:45 a.m., and Van Zandt Avenue will be closed at the corner of Farewell. Delays on America’s Cup and Farewell should be expected until 9 a.m.
Police begin blocking roads at 6:30 a.m. No pedestrians other than registered participants are permitted on any part of the bridge.
For participants
Shuttles run from the Newport Bus Depot to Jamestown beginning at 5:30 a.m., with the last departure at 6:45. All participants must be off the bridge within an hour of starting, a 20-minute-mile pace.
All proceeds go to local nonprofits and community organizations through the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Foundation, which supports roughly 30 groups annually through this event and the 4 Bridges Ride. More than 46,000 people have crossed the bridge in the race since 2011.
More information is at pellbridgerun.com.
