Lane Shifts For Pell Bridge Ramps Project Start Next Week

NEWPORT, RI — Traffic changes are coming to Newport, starting Monday. As part of the Phase Two Pell Bridge Ramps project, lanes will be shifted to the right on both sides of Route 138 from the bridge to the JT Connell Highway overpass.

All lanes of travel will remain open for travel, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation said, though the right lane on Route 138 East coming off the bridge will function as an exit-only lane for the Downtown Newport exit. Traffic delays are not expected, though drivers are encouraged to slow down in work zones.

The lane changes will allow crews to start bridge preservation work on the bridges that carry Route 138 over 3rd Street, the Old Colony and Newport Railroad line and JT Connell Highway.

The Pell Bridge Ramps Phase 2 project will redesign the network of roads connecting to the bridge, including a new ramp system aimed at lowering traffic congestion heading into Downtown Newport. It will also free up 25 acres of land for development, RIDOT said.

Lawmakers broke ground on the project in July. It is set to be completed by the end of 2024.