Construction Underway During Newport Coronavirus Shutdowns

NEWPORT, RI — Although the new coronavirus has shut down most of Newport, repairs are still underway throughout the city. As part of the construction, the walking trail along Easton's Pond Dam has been closed to the public.

The access ramps remain open, the city said in a release. The Newport Water Division made the decision to close the walking path following a routine inspection that showed significant damage to the south embankment of the pond, caused by animals burrowing into the structure. The "excessive burrowing," combined with recent heavy rain, led to serious erosion, the city said, causing a serious safety issue.

Around 900 feet of the northern embankment was reconstructed from 2011 to 2013, along with approximately 1,800 feet of the western embankment that was damaged by a 2007 storm. The two access ramps and stone dust path were built during this time.

Several other construction projects are underway or scheduled in the city in the time. These include sidewalk improvements on Gibbs Avenue from Memorial Blvd to Old Beach Road and Division Street in Historic hill. At The Point, repairs continue at the Storer Park Seawall.

More information on ongoing projects is available on the city's website.