NEWPORT, R.I. — A Newport Bridge vehicle crash that occurred around 9:00 a.m. Thursday on the eastbound side is still causing a traffic jam as of 12:45 p.m.
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The Newport Pell Bridge has been added to the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) assessment of 68 U.S. bridges requiring updated evaluations for potential vessel collision risks. This initiative follows the tragic March 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was struck by a cargo ship, resulting in six fatalities and raising concerns about bridges spanning busy waterways.
The NTSB’s report highlights bridges built before 1996 that lack modern “vulnerability assessments,” including the Pell Bridge. In response, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) acknowledged the findings and stated they are actively reviewing the data, working closely with the NTSB. RITBA had already begun investigating similar risks for Rhode Island’s waters following the Baltimore incident.
While the report does not suggest that the Pell Bridge has structural deficiencies, it underscores the need for all affected bridges to be reassessed using updated engineering models. The NTSB is urging bridge owners, including RITBA, to carry out standardized evaluations and, if necessary, develop risk reduction plans in coordination with federal agencies. Although Rhode Island officials have not indicated any immediate danger, the assessment serves as a reminder of the need for proactive safety measures as vessel traffic continues to grow.
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