The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) anticipates that it may need to restrict access to some or all of its bridges on Wednesday afternoon and evening due to high winds. The highest winds are expected between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., according to RITBA.
RITBA operates and maintains the Newport Pell, Mount Hope, Jamestown Verrazzano and Sakonnet River Bridges along with Route 138 through Jamestown.
RITBA provided the following updates on Wednesday, December 11;
#RITBA ALERT UPDATE: Travel restrictions on all RITBA bridges have been lifted. The bridges are open to all traffic. Please use caution until weather conditions improve. Please visit our website and follow our social media for updates #NPBridge #JVBridge
— RITBA (@RIEZPASS) December 12, 2024
#RITBA ALERT UPDATE: Due to high winds ONLY automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, and commercial buses are permitted to cross the Newport Pell and Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridges at this time. Please check back for updates. #NPBridge #JVBridge
— RITBA (@RIEZPASS) December 11, 2024
#RITBA ALERT: Due to high winds, access is restricted to the Newport Pell and Jamestown-Verrazzano Bridges for house trailers/RVs, and empty enclosed trailers and school buses. Please check back for updates. #NPBridge #JVBridge
— RITBA (@RIEZPASS) December 11, 2024
Updates on bridge conditions and closures will continue to be posted on ritba.org, on Facebook and on” X” at @riezpass.
For more information on RITBA weather restriction guidelines, click here.
Extreme Weather Conditions May Restrict Travel Across RITBA Bridges
Travel across RITBA’s bridges may be restricted or prohibited for certain vehicle types under various extreme weather conditions, primarily during periods of unusually high winds and/or snow/ice. The roadways across the bridges are state highways. Therefore, the allowance or prohibition of traffic is under the direct authority of the Rhode Island State Police. The Authority is also empowered to restrict or prohibit travel across the bridges.
Travel may be restricted under the following circumstances:
Wind Warnings – When sustained wind speeds exceed 30 mph for a continuous period of 15 minutes or more and/ or wind gusts persistently exceed 30 mph over a period of 15 minutes, operators of high-profile vehicles are advised to use caution while traveling across the bridge.
Level 1 Wind Restrictions – When sustained wind speeds exceed 50 mph for a continuous period of 15 minutes or more; and/or wind gusts persistently exceed 50 mph over a period of 15 minutes, high profile vehicles (i.e. box trucks/trailers), and house trailers/RVs are prohibited from travel across the bridge. Law enforcement personnel may also prohibit any other vehicle from travelling the bridge at their discretion. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.
Level 2 Wind Restrictions – When sustained wind speeds exceed 60 mph for a continuous period of 15 minutes or more; and/or wind gusts persistently exceed 60 mph over a period of 15 minutes, only automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, and commercial buses are permitted to cross the bridge. All other vehicles, including those under Level 1 Wind Restrictions, are prohibited from travel across the bridge. Law enforcement personnel may also prohibit any other vehicle from travelling the bridge at their discretion. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.
Traffic Holds/Bridge Closure – When sustained wind speeds exceed 70 mph for a continuous period of 15 minutes or more or wind gusts persistently exceed 70 mph over a period of 15 minutes, a bridge may be closed to all traffic. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.
Winter Weather Conditions – If travel over a bridge becomes hazardous due to winter weather conditions(snow/ice), closure will be considered. The decision to close a bridge will be made after consulting the Rhode Island State Police. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.
