Commercial Weight Restrictions Kick In on Pell Bridge

The new year has brought new weight restrictions for commercial vehicles on the Claiborne Pell Bridge in Newport.

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority announced that as of Jan. 1, any commercial vehicle with more than 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight will be restricted to travel in the right outside lane only.

Also, those vehicles must use the gated lanes at the toll plaza.

At the same time, RITBA is instituting a mandatory permitting system for both overwide and oversized vehicles to coordinate the timing of crossings for safety reasons.

In addition, new permitting for overwide permits will be in force for the Mount Hope Bridge. RITBA has created
a new online system for commercial users to apply and pay for these bridge permits. The new permitting online system can be found on RITBA’s website at www.ritba.org.

Overwide/overweight applicants must apply and pay for a permit two business days prior to travel. Once an application is approved, a copy will be sent to the customer. All drivers for the approved load must only use the far right lane in the toll plaza and provide a copy of the approved permit to the toll collector before travel over the bridge is allowed.

If you have any questions concerning the new restrictions and conditions, call E-ZPass at 1-877-RI-EZPAS (1-877-743-9727) or email us at ezpass@ritba.org.