In preparation for reduced speeds during Phase II of the Newport Pell Bridge road deck project, The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) would like to inform the motoring public that beginning Monday, July 29th RITBA will be partnering in a multi-agency speed and distracted driving enforcement campaign with The Rhode Island Department of Transportation Office on Highway Safety , The Rhode Island State Police, Jamestown Police Department, Newport Police Department, and North Kingstown Police Department. This enforcement campaign will focus on Route 138, beginning at the intersection of Route 1 and ending at the east end of the Newport Bridge.
As part of the operation, law enforcement will focus on citing drivers distracted driving as well as exceeding speed limits posted along Route 138 and the Newport Pell Bridge. The current speed limit for the Newport Pell Bridge is 40 mph; however throughout the duration of the road deck project the speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph.
“This initiative is about safety; safety for motorists on the roadways, and for maintenance and construction workers on the bridge. We all need to do our part in keeping one another safe by being aware of our speed and conforming to the speed limit at all times” stated Buddy Croft, Executive Director at The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority.
