Rhode Island: Claiborne Pell Bridge Rehabilitation

Longevity for a Long Bridge in Rhode Island  

Challenge: The Claiborne Pell Bridge in Newport, R.I., is the longest suspension bridge in New England. Named after the late Sen. Claiborne Pell, the span opened in 1969, and carries Route 138 over Narragansett Bay. For more than a half-century, the damp, humid Rhode Island weather has taken its toll on the structure. While still safe to traverse, inspections show increasing deterioration of the bridge’s cables and suspenders, accelerating the need for repairs. The bridge can’t be replaced; but its life can be extended.  

Solution: With help from the federal infrastructure investment law, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority is moving forward with a major renovation of the Pell Bridge. Planned upgrades include a de-humidification system to reduce moisture and halt corrosion, repairing tower elevators, replacing finger joints that enable bridge movement, adding security cameras, and a repainting job for the towers. The project also includes partial bridge deck reconstruction and will lengthen the bridge’s life by 50 to 75 years. 

What they’re saying: “We aim to do maintenance work so it lasts as long as it can possibly last,” Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority Executive Director Lori Silveria said. “We want to be in the business of rehabilitating and preserving. We don’t want to be in the business of replacing.” (Newport Daily News, 09/16/2022)