City Officials Celebrate Pell Bridge Golden Anniversary

NEWPORT, RI — City and state officials gathered in the shadow of the Pell Bridge on Friday to celebrate the Newport Pell Bridge's 50 anniversary. The Navy Band Northeast, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and more unveiled a plaque officially rededicating the symbol of Newport. The 11,250-foot-long bridge officially opened to traffic on June 28, 1969.

In honor of the golden anniversary, a full day of celebrations was held, including a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the toll plaza followed by a rededication ceremony on the other side of the red, white and blue balloon-lined bridge at Gurney’sNewport Resort and Marina.

"When I look at the Newport Pell Bridge, I see an engineering marvel and the thousands of men and women who worked so hard, for so long, to design, engineer, and build this magnificent structure," said Buddy Croft, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority's executive director.

Later in the evening, a special 50th Anniversary celebration was held at Fort Adams State Park, featuring live music, local food and fireworks at after dark.

The RITBA said no toll or tax dollars were used to fund the golden anniversary celebrations.