Newport Residents Encouraged To Offer Feedback On Bridge Redesign

NEWPORT, RI — Newport's representative is encouraging her constituents to weigh in on the redesign process of the access ramps to the Clairborne Pell Bridge. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation will accept public comment on the project until Dec. 23.

"This project is probably the single biggest redevelopment projects on Aquidneck Island in the last 50 years," Rep. Lauren Carson said. "It will significantly change the way people get around Newport and open up land for redevelopment. It will profoundly change the way drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists move around our community."

The redesign to the bridge's access ramps aims to reduce congestion and backups on the bridge, which is the main access point for the city, as well as reduce traffic backups in Newport, improve opportunities for pedestrians, public transit and bicyclists, connect the North End of the city to downtown and create an "Innovation Hub." RIDOT plans to begin construction next spring.

The project's draft environmental assessment is available online, where residents can also electronically submit comments. Mail comments can be sent to David Fish, Administrator of Project Management, Rhode Island Department of Transportation, 2 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02903. The department asked residents to submit comments by Dec. 23. The full proposal is also available to view at Newport City Hall.

"This has an impact on everyone in Newport, so I urge everyone to look at the plans and send the state their thoughts. Now is the time to make your opinion heard," Carson continued.

Carson urged business owners, in particular, to weigh in.

"Changes in traffic patterns have a strong impact on small businesses," the Newport Democrat said. "Every small business owner knows that changes in traffic, whether it means more or less vehicle traffic, changes in public parking or changes in pedestrian and bicyclist traffic, can affect the number of customers who walk through the door. It’s critically important to local businesses and the state planners needs to hear from the owners of those businesses about the potential effects of the design."