Outer Loop Road Around Beavertail Lighthouse To Close

JAMESTOWN, RI — The road that circles the lighthouse at Beavertail State Park is closing to traffic, indefinitely, the Department of Environmental Management said on Tuesday. The perimeter road, damaged by Superstorm Sandy, will be closed for public safety reasons.

Along with storm damage, the road has been hit by storm surge and erosion, causing dangerous washouts there and on the nearby pedestrian path.

Janet Coit, the department's director, said the project is part of a push to address the effects of climate change in Rhode Island.

"[The project] also underscores Governor Raimondo’s commitment to addressing climate change and investing in our natural assets as shown by her proposed $64 million Beach, Clean Water, and Green Bond, now under consideration by the General Assembly," Coit said. "First and foremost, our work at iconic Beavertail State Park is about protecting public safety. I’m pleased that pedestrian visitors will continue to have access to Beavertail’s spectacular vistas, which rival those of any coastal attraction in New England."

Once the closure goes into effect on Feb. 3, traffic will be redirected to the inner loop road that runs north of the lighthouse. Vehicles will no longer be allowed along the outer loop, which circles the lighthouse and museum. Posts and chains have been installed to keep drivers off the road. Walkers will still be allowed on the loop.

"The CRMC is encouraged by RIDEM’s decision to close the road around Beavertail lighthouse in the interest of public safety," Executive Director Grover Fugate said. "That area has increasingly been subject to erosion and washouts from storm surge, flooding, and wind during Sandy and other major storm events as a result of climate change. People will still be able to access the shore, but will do so in a safer manner."

The department will develop plans to increase handicapped parking and improve access to the closed road. Over the long term, the department plans to address erosion in the area.

Unrelated to the closure, the U.S. Coast Guard will begin a lead remediation project on the lighthouse starting Feb. 5. Approximately 5,000 square feet of soil surrounding the structure, which is owned by the coast guard, will be dug up during the project, which is set to be finished by Feb. 20. The road closure will allow the project go more smoothly by keeping traffic away from the excavation.