RITBA Conducting Speed Study On Newport, Jamestown Bridges

NEWPORT, RI — Amid reports of drivers speeding on East Bay bridges, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority is conducting a speed study on the Newport Pell and Jamestown Verrazzano bridges.

"We have heard of cars traveling well in excess of posted speed limits, and we need to see the data to determine how we will work with our partners in law enforcement to best address this safety issue," said Lori Caron Silveira, RITBA's executive director. "As we look ahead to a fun and busy summer, we want to remind people to slow down and obey the speed limits."

The department is partnering with local police departments and Rhode Island State Police to step up speed enforcement on the bridges. Field devices will be installed to record and analyze data about traffic speed at different times of the day.

“We appreciate the partnership with local law enforcement and the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority,” said State Police Col. James Manni. "Once we receive the results of the speed study, we will collaborate on an awareness and enforcement effort to mitigate the excessive speeds on the bridges."

New signs will be posted on both bridges reminding drivers of speed limits: 40 mph on the Pell Bridge and 45 mph on the Verrazzano.

Ed Mello, the Jamestown police chief, said that the department has received complaints about high speed on the bridges, and loud traffic noise as a result.

"Excessive speed impacts the quality of life for residents here, and we are looking forward to having the additional data, resources and support from this effort," Mello said.

The RITBA will publicly publish the results of the study by July 31.