New regulations for Newport Pell Bridge starting Jan. 1

THE R.I. TURNPIKE and Bridge Authority said that new restrictions on commercial vehicle lane usage at the Newport Pell Bridge will start on Jan. 1.
THE R.I. TURNPIKE and Bridge Authority said that new restrictions on commercial vehicle lane usage at the Newport Pell Bridge will start on Jan. 1.

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Turnpike and Bridge Authority said that new restrictions on commercial vehicle lane usage at the Newport Pell Bridge will start on Jan. 1.

On that date, all commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight that is more than 26,000 pounds will be restricted to travel in the right outside lane only at the Newport Pell Bridge. Also, commercial vehicles must use the gated lanes at the Newport Pell toll plaza.

The changes are intended to make bridges safer, a press release from the authority stated.

The authority also is instituting a mandatory permitting system for both overwide and oversized vehicles to better coordinate the timing of crossings for safety reasons. In addition, new permitting for overwide permits will be in force for the Mount Hope Bridge.

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RITBA has created an 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.

Contact E-ZPass at (877) 743-9727) or email ezpass@ritba.org with questions.

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