The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) announces the completion of the full rehabilitation of the Newport Pell Bridge steel superstructure. This project started in 2009 and cost nearly $100 million dollars to complete. It included an environmentally conscious, commercial blast removal of the existing protective coatings and replacement with a three-coat system of a specialty protective coating in the color “Newport Blue.” The replacement coating system is intended for the protection of steel structures in marine environments. Over 3.5 Million Square Feet of steel surface area was blast cleaned and painted under this project.The full rehabilitation project also included repairs to corroded steel elements which in turn returned them to their original structural capacity. The completion of the repairs and installation of the new protective coating system has brought the bridge to function in the same manner as when it was originally constructed in the late 1960s. This completed work shall have a life expectancy of approximately 20 years. RITBA’s Maintenance Department will provide the necessary upkeep to ensure the completed work’s longevity.
This full rehabilitation project was completed on time, within budget and with minimal disturbance to the public by the general contractors Abhe & Svoboda, Inc., Aetna Bridge Company and Ahern Painting Contractors, Inc. with the assistance of the engineering consultant, WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff and the inspection services of Keville Enterprises.
RITBA would like to give thanks to all for the high level of professionalism shown in completing this project. As a result, lane closures were minimized, major delays on the bridge were avoided, and continuous coordination aided in avoiding any major issues.
To stay up-to-date and receive the latest on real-time traffic and RITBA’s construction activity, visit RITBA.org. This site provides the latest information concerning lane closures, construction activity and traffic delays for the Newport Pell, Jamestown Verrazzano, Mount Hope and Sakonnet River Bridges, in addition to the RT. 138 Connector.
