Minor Accident NJ DOT - TOC South: Crash on US 1 southbound Quaker Bridge Rd (West Windsor Twp) right shoulder closed 5-10 minute delay use caution. Newport Bridge tolls are now $6.00 each way for passenger vehicles not using E-Z Pass. The main span of the Newport Bridge is 488 metres (1,601 ft), ranking it number 87 among the longest suspension bridges in the world, and making it the longest suspension bridge in New England. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Newport Mental Health at 401-846-1213. On March 27th, a body was discovered at Battleship Cove after a man jumped from the Charles Braga Bridge. On the market for a new home? Have you ever wondered if theres a short-term rental on your street? (2018) Aerial view of Claiborne Pell Bridge, commonly known as the Newport Bridge, a suspension bridge operated by the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority that spans the East Passage of the Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island.United States Newport Newport County Rhode Island, 2018. Pushed him, and that was when he stabbed him., It wasnt real, Post said. Spanning a monumental 11,248 feet (3,428 meters), the bridge connects Newport on Aquidneck Island to Jamestown on Conanicut Island. Dawn was nearing when Mark Gonsalves, 44, left his apartment near the Newport end of the Pell Bridge and got into his car. At 12:47 p.m., the Newport Fire Department received multiple callssomeone had jumped from the bridge, said Newport Deputy Fire Chief Harp Donnelly. To build a bridge to serve the area, the U.S Naval Operations required clearance of 1600 feet horizontally and 205 feet vertically so that its large ships from the nearby Navy base could still pass through. Among the attendees at the ceremony was Wales Office Minister and Monmouth MP David TC Davies. You can now get all of the need-to-know news sent straight to your inbox by signing up for our free WalesOnline newsletter. According to the report, Rhode Island has seen varying amounts of snowfall in different parts of the state. He stopped at the apex, some 220 feet above the water. Toggle sidebar. Construction finally began in 1966. He said the man who jumped off the bridge was identified as Dennis Rocheford. Rather than spinning the steel wires at the site, they could simply be strung from anchor to tower. Newport Police reported that officers responded to the scene at around 12:30 a.m. Saturday but by the time they arrived, the vehicle suspected in the deadly crash had fled the scene. A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. Known commonly as the Newport Bridge, it was the first structure of its kind to be immortalized on a state quarter. He said: The Severn Bridge remains a vital link between Wales and England and a significant piece of our national infrastructure. The first time that runners were allowed over the bridge was when a group of 300 runners ran over in the early 1980s in a half-marathon for Save The Bay. ODonnell added that typically when suicides occur at the bridge, the bodies are eventually found. The steel components needed to finish the bridge were also prefabricated, which again was pretty innovative for the time. If you have any info about this or any cold case, please call: 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. ", The Severn Bridge was completed in 1966 but required major works at the end of the 1980s. The Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge is a toll bridge. [13], The bridge was renamed for U.S. Newport Beach firefighters and paramedics perform a "cut and rescue" after a car went down an embankment along the Back Bay bridge on East Coast Highway on Monday afternoon September 6, 2021 . I think thats why hes still on the FBI list and conspiracy theories think he might be alive.. The bridge was first proposed to make travel to the oceanside town of Newport, Rhode Island, easier for visitors. Aerial view of bridge and uninhabited Rose Island. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. From Caldicot in Monmouthshire, John was well known in the area, playing for Caldicot RFC. The bridge, part of RI 138, connects the city of Newport on Aquidneck Island and the Town of Jamestown on Conanicut Island, and is named for longtime Rhode Island U.S. senator Claiborne Pell who lived in Newport. Before the establishment of the E-ZPass system of toll collection, toll discounts were available to the general population through the use of tokens. The pier however, was completely undamaged, save for a smudge of grey paint. The suspension bridge model means that it hangs by cabled wires suspended from towers built over it. Your email address will not be published. She was born to Alick and Eugenie (Potwin) Hebert, the fifth of six. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Cold Case Cards: All In Is It Ever Too Hopeless? Eventually, a new site was selected, connecting the towns of Jamestown and Newport. John Short, Eric Sullivan, Robin Phelps and Kevin Hoskins died in three. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, 2 high schoolers credited with saving friends life, RI lobster trap tag washes ashore on Scotland beach, Sports legends among Mass. Adam came out of nowhere, Post said in a 2017 interview with Eyewitness News. It is now the longest suspension bridge in New England. Catalogue Metadata. Stacker compiled a list of cities with the most expensive homes in Rhode Island using data from Zillow. This helped the connected communities better benefit from what the other offered. WhatsUpNewps running list of whats happening before, during, and after the 2023 Newport Saint Patricks Day Parade. NEWPORT The body of a 30-year-old New Jersey man who jumped from the center span of the Newport Pell Bridge shortly after noon on Friday was recovered by Middletown firefighters in their Marine 1 fire boat about two hours later. Its deck is suspended from anchored cables. In June 2019, a series of events were held to mark the 50th anniversary of the bridge. Georgia has discipline problem that calls for action from Kirby Smart. The moon had set, leaving only stars above as Friday, June 26, 2015, began. ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) A man from North Carolina has died after a two-vehicle crash Monday morning on the James River Bridge. The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority hosted a free celebration ceremony at the Fort Adams State Park featuring food trucks, workshops on building bridges, lawn activities, and fireworks. For emergencies, dial 911. [27] After the bridge it has become a more wealthy community whose residents now commute to jobs and opportunities in neighboring towns. Greg Cunningham. Being injured in a serious accident is always a shocking and scary experience, and dealing with the aftermath is exhausting and stressful. Executive Director Marjory OToole will discuss the organizations most recent research and will introduce the Historical Societys important multi-year research effort, The Sakonnet History Project, during a Zoom at 7 PM on March 21. In August 1990, Emerys car was side-swiped in Rocky Point Park. The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority raised an American flag on the bridge for the first time on May 25, 2018. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority 23 chapters | The Claiborne Pell Bridge, commonly known as the Newport Bridge, opened on this day in 1969. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. While carrying out the project, three men lost their lives. Kevin John Hoskins, 34, from Patchway, Bristol, lost his life in an incident in one of the towers on the Aust side on 27 November 1991. So, commissions were established in the 1940s to determine whether a bridge could be built over the bay. In 2019, The Daily News reported that between Jan. 1, 2010 and Nov. 20, 2018, there were 12 suicide deaths on the Mount Hope Bridge, nine on the Pell Bridge and six on the Jamestown Bridge, bringing the total to 27 during that near nine-year span. The bridge connects Newport, Rhode Island, via its Aquidneck Island to Jamestown, Rhode Island, via Conanicut Island. Construction for the bridge began in 1966. A diver that day in 1993 told Breault that Hannibal was able to narrow the area down to the size of a football field. The bridge was the only toll road in Rhode Island until August 19, 2013, when the Authority began collecting tolls on the new Sakonnet River Bridge. In the U.S. state of Virginia, I-81 runs for 324.92 miles. In the fall of 2011, the inaugural Citizens Bank Newport Pell Bridge Run was held which marked the first time in recent history that runners were allowed to cross the bridge (which was closed to traffic).[17]. Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Tweet. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Yes, flower arrangements are fulfilled and delivered by local florists from Newport. Local, independent news for Newport, Rhode Island; Martha's Vineyard; Nantucket; and Stowe, Vermont. [13] In addition, concerts were scheduled for Fort Adams State Park, along with cruises, fireworks, and other events. James River Bridge (Rte 17) on US-17 On US-17 at the James River Bridge (Rte 17) there is currently a bridge opening in progress. Arrangements will be announced by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home, Morehead City, NC. Finally, after 90,000 cubic yards of concrete were poured under water, all 54 piers were completed and work on the impressive towers and cables could begin. According to scanner traffic, Newport Police Department responded at about 4:10 p.m. to a report of a subject threatening to jump off the bridge across Yaquina Bay in Newport. Simply browse the Newports obituaries listing you can find on this page or conduct a search on the web site with your loved ones name. Another diver said the visibility was poor. Newport Bridge construction photographs, 1966-1969. mayor buys Columbus statue for $50K, Change in law allows more to scrub their criminal, 12 on 12 Digital Original: Cold Case Cards All, 109-year-old Bristol native shares secret to a long, Office chairs recalled due to fall, injury risk, Dont answer phone calls from these 5 area codes, Doctor: Lesion removed from Bidens chest was cancerous, UPS employee arrested for 3rd time on drug charges, Overnight Snow/Sleet Changing To Rain; Strong Winds, ACI worker, 3 inmates charged in phone smuggling, CT shelter needs to find homes for 30+ animals, Olive oil in coffee? Travel on the Newport and Jamestown bridges was restricted due to spikes in COVID-19 cases. Hello Newport Today's weather Rain and drizzle this morning High: 50F Low: 32F Top local news Newport News Newport Welcoming Guests From Sister City In Ireland Like Newport, Kinsale,. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. The new design also will free up approximately 25 acres of land for economic development by removing the "road to nowhere." The first phase of construction began in 2020, focusing on smaller improvements to JT . According to Jim Ricci, author of The Newport Bridge, it was the first suspension bridge that used off-site, shop-built parallel main cables. 3 people injured in crash involving Newport News police car. It expands over Narragansett Bay. Without the electronic E-Z Pass, cars pay $6.00. To the east, connections were provided to an upgraded RI 138 . It wasnt a rescue operation at that point, not after the victim had been two hours in the water.. I-95: Interstate 95 runs 179 miles between its borders with Maryland and North Carolina. New Patient Forms; About; Of course, setting the completed pier in place would still be a challenge. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. Search Newport obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. Plans were completed for a major strengthening of the bridge in the late 1980s, and in 1986 a contract was awarded to John Laing Construction to carry out the works with Flint and Neil Partnership as the Design Consultant. Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority Construction began on April 5, 1966. Want Newport news straight to your inbox? She saidthey are at his house now. [21][22] Plans to reconstruct and reconfigure the bridge access roads were made between 2001 and 2020. Fire boats from Portsmouth, North Kingstown, Cranston and East Providence responded in addition to Middletown, he said. It wouldnt be until 1994 that Emerys wife Elena washed ashore. DOT Accident and Construction Reports. On Friday, the state Turnpike and Bridge Authority . John Cornelius Short was part of a team of steel erectors who were working in the Beachley Downstream tower installing temporary platforms in advance of the steel tube erection. [19], The approach and access road to and from the bridge in Newport was initially intended to be part of a highway connecting to Rhode Island Route 24 in Portsmouth that was never completed. A tanker in 1981 ran into one of the bridge's piers, crushing the bow of the ship. One hundred and thirty-six thousand cubic yards of concrete were used to build it. The bridge was renamed forU.S. Since the 17th century, people had been crossing the bay by ferry, which took a while, or commuting all the way around. Emerys car was found on the Newport Pell Bridge. Who Where Receive obituaries Margot Sullivan Grosvenor February 24, 2023 (93 years old) View obituary Dennis M. Crookes February 24, 2023 (77 years old) View obituary Twenty-three thousand two hundred eighty tons of steel were used in its production. Its anintriguingcase, retired R.I. State Police Col. Steven ODonnell said. NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) Is Adam Emery dead or alive? The Newport Bridge, officially Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, is an immense suspension bridge and major roadway in southern Rhode Island. 2257 Obituaries. The crash happened in the northbound lanes, but also. In 2001, it was Rhode Island's turn. Your local, independent source for Whats Up in Newport, Rhode Island, and beyond. What we know about the Purple People Bridge . Search Newport obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. The Newport Fire Department and Coast Guard did a tremendous job in finding him so quickly, hesaid. and last updated 8:41 AM, Aug 10, 2020. Kamaria Swan earned a Bachelor's Degree in English from Howard University. The matter is still under investigation and the name was not released by State Police on Saturday. Home; Services; New Patient Center. According to Major Laurie Ludovici of Rhode Island State Police, it is confirmed that a male jumped from the Newport/Claiborne Pell Bridge at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Its one of the most photographed landmarks in the Ocean State. May 4, 2022. 2023 www.newportri.com. Did Adam really jump that day with his wife? 0. R.I. State Police declined to speak about the case because of the sensitivity of the investigation, though they are still seeking tips. It was not finished until 1969 when it finally opened for transport. Take our news quiz. The Newport Bridge opened in 1969, and became a huge hit (literally). Actor Tom Sizemore dead at 61 after brain aneurysm: Reports. An increase in business for both towns resulted. Yes, simply like this page on facebook or search Obituary in Newport on facebook. The tide was coming into the bay so the most likely search areas were north of the bridge heading towardNaval Station Newport. Yes, simply click Add a photo located underneath the main photo of the obituary then upload the photos/videos you wish to share. Between 1989 and 1991, four people lost their lives while completing major works on the bridge. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. [20][21] The onramp bridge for eastbound traffic coming off the Pell Bridge was locally dubbed the "Bridge to Nowhere" or "Highway to Nowhere". Repair fund for 'death risk' Tees bridge approved. Newport officials approve plans to increase bicycle safety, accessibility following death of beloved biker Gloria San Miguel was killed by hit-and-run driver in August on bridge between Newport . He was 42 when he died. No fewer than 32 engineering studies were conducted, trying to determine the best location and style of crossing. Required fields are marked *. The Claiborne Pell Bridge, also called the Newport Bridge, spans 11,000 feet across the Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. [3] It is four lanes wide, two in each direction. [16], The first time that runners were allowed over the bridge was when a group of 300 runners ran over in the early 1980s in a half-marathon for Save The Bay. In the vehicle with Bass was his cousin Joshua Post. Anita Blais was born on 30 May 1913, in Rhode Island, United States. Heres a look at what homes are hosting an open house this weekend. As of 2022, the toll is US$4.00 for cars with a non-resident EZ-Pass, and US$6.00 for cars without an EZ-Pass. However, on June 15, 2012, this plan was abolished as Rhode Island lawmakers approved tolls to be added to the newly built Sakonnet River Bridge in the future. The 50th anniversary of the bridge's opening was celebrated in June 2019. Do you or anyone in your family have memories of the Newport Bridge construction? He was convicted of second-degree murder. Due to the depth of the bay, requirements of the Navy, and weather issues, construction was not easy, but it was finally completed in 1969. Now the coastal city boasts attractions such as bike tours, seafood festivals, and hiking trails. More:Lawmakers want barriers erected on three Newport County bridges to deter suicide attempts. Title . But now, both bridges have been completely reopened. DelDOT says it will cost almost a half a million dollars to jack up crossing 6 inches. PennDOT is planning to replace the bridge over Buffalo Creek north of Newport next year and is seeking comment from the public on the plans. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. "To have worked with three of these men at the time and have coordinated the rescue when the gantry fell, I have always felt a personal attachment," Peter said. NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) Is Adam Emery dead or alive? He wasnt wearing any shoes and after his shift, [my uncle] took off his shoes and gave it to him.. Newport City Council to interview three candidates for Planning Board. The main span of the Newport Bridge is 488 metres (1,601ft), ranking it number 87 among the longest suspension bridges in the world, and making it the longest suspension bridge in New England. Kim, of Newport, Wales, was pulled from the River Usk by a passerby and . Yes, flower arrangements are fulfilled and delivered by local florists from Newport. I have this gut feeling that hes out there somewhere, Basss brother Raymond said in a 2017 interview. There is still a warrant out for his arrest, which said he may go to Florida or Italy. "Since the introduction of the Construction Design and Management Regulations in 1994 part of a European Directive, safety in Construction has seen a major shift and improvement in the industry. "Perhaps your readers might think of the real price of construction of this iconic structure being the unifying link between England and Wales and of the men and women that daily work on both the Severn Bridge M48 and Prince of Wales Bridge M4 maintaining these vital links. In the early years, tourists often had to wait for hours before a ferry arrived to transport them across the waters. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-877-RI-SOLVE. This massive structure cost $57 million to build. My fear is that it is weakened in the post-Brexit review that is underway today. Newport Bridge construction photographs, 1966-1969. Kevin left seven children, with the youngest being just 10 months old at the time of the incident. It is a suspension bridge, like many others of the region, but is notable for its use of prefabricated parts in an era when that was still uncommon in bridge construction. 18008 Bothell Everett Hwy SE # F, Bothell, WA 98012. James Swanberg. (Newport) - In a troubling trend, a third person has jumped off a local bridge since late March. Simply browse the Newports obituaries listing you can find on this page or conduct a search on the web site with your loved ones name. Ludovici stated that the body was not, and has not . "Safety in construction remains a potentially dangerous industry but with the controls, standards and culture today it is rare to have to report events like these. On a clear day, the bridge's towers are visible from the observation plaza at the Gay Head Light in Aquinnah on the Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard, from the upper floors of skyscrapers in Providence (approximately 22 miles), and as far northwest as the parking lot of Stone Hill Marketplace in Johnston, RI (approximately 23 miles) and Interstate 295 south in Smithfield north of U.S. Route 44. The new Jamestown-Verrazano Bridge opened to traffic on October 8, 1992. Read about how it was renamed the Claiborne Pell Bridge in the 1990s. Like our page to stay informed about passing of a loved one in Newport, Tennessee on facebook. "There was little we could do for the men that were working on the gantry at the time, although the SARA lifeboat did amazingly pluck one man from the river.". 23 December 2020. 195 lessons. The bridge is featured on the Rhode Islandstate quarter. In the spring of 2012, the Bridge Authority brought Open Road Tolling to the Pell bridge, allowing drivers with E-ZPass to pass through a special E-ZPass only toll lane at 40mph. Ken Paiva. residents with unclaimed, Man arrested on gun, drug charges in Fall River, Westerly sees increase in catalytic converter thefts, The War on Alzheimers: The Battle Continues, 2022 Rewind: Our favorite stories from last year, From Homeless to Hope: An Educators Journey, Our hands are tied: Pawtucket mayor seeks LEOBOR, Providence police officer suspended amid investigation, Shekarchi unveils legislative housing package, Report: No crimes tied to missing FRPD drug logs, Prout defeats Cumberland in first game of DI hockey, BPB shuts out Warwick-Chariho Co-op in Game 1 of, La Salle dominates Mount St. Charles in Game 1 of, Bishop Hendricken tops Barrington in Game 1 of DI, URI women defeat George Washington in A10 conference, Newsmakers 3/3/2023: Mayor Grebien; race for Congress, Honoring Black History: Sharing Our Stories, 2/24/2023: Rep. Cicilline; special election preview, Tech trends for 2023 to make your life easier, Eye on RI: Cranstons first Country Fest, Cold Case Cards: All In DNA Changing the Game, Cold Case Cards: All In Inside the Task Force. Rhode Island residents with a Rhode Island E-ZPass pay a discounted toll of only 83 cents once they sign up for the RIR-RI Resident Discount Plan. Teacher accused of child molestation on paid leave, Community Focus: RIDOHs Dr. Tosin Ojubele, Police: Wanted man arrested after East Providence, Former Prov. The capital of the Commonwealth is Richmond; Virginia Beach is the most The Newport Transporter Bridge was opened in 1906 The first working example was built in 1893 at Portugalete near Bilbao in Spain A transporter bridge is basically a suspended ferry A. The Claiborne Pell Bridge, commonly known as the Newport Bridge, opened on this day in 1969. Lawmakers want barriers erected on three Newport County bridges to deter suicide attempts. Because one of the state's most prominent landmarks, the Claiborne Pell Bridge, hovers in the background. Unfortunately, difficulties in financing pushed the project back even further, until voters approved the right of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority to raise money by selling bonds. Learn about the Newport Bridge in Rhode Island, its construction, and its status today. Senator Pell may sound familiar as the man who helped develop the Pell Grants that provide financial aid to college students. Creating an obituary on Echovita is free. It is 1,601 feet long on its main span, and each of its side spans is 687 feet. At trial, Emery claimed he stabbed Bass out of self-defense. By. How do we know it's Narragansett Bay? It was the first bridge built with shop-fabricated parallel-wire strands. [7] The bridge also charges a fee equal to the toll for improperly mounted E-ZPass transponders that require a toll-booth operator to manually raise the gate. It's made a world of difference for many people in Rhode Island, which makes it seem worthy of placement on the state quarter. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. The plaque sits alongside an original plaque erected in 1966 for the six men that lost their lives during the original construction of the bridge. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Brill was also deserted bythe Kings troops. Soon traffic to the area became so frequent that the idea of a bridge was proposed. Its most common travelers (about 70%) are residents of Rhode Island using the bridge to transport to and from regular activities. Later, a more reliable ferry system was implemented. Also, there is a scheduled bridge opening on Thursday 03/02/23 at 4:45 PM. Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority Replacing the original ferry service, the Newport Bridge construction took just three years to complete. DelDOT spent more than $5 million to rebuild a bridge overpass near Newport. The bridge had made it easier to access the city's sights as opposed to the ferry that had served as the main form of transportation to the area before. On April 2nd, a body was recovered after a jump from the Newport/Claiborne Pell Bridge. It was very deliberate., Its heartbreaking I just spoke with his mom, Cunninghamsaid. What happened this week? ODonnell said for the first time he thinks Emery jumped. The bridge was constructed from 1966 to 1969 at a cost of $54,742,000 by theParsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade & Douglas company. About 30% of users are visitors from out-of-state, especially travelers from New York and Massachusetts. Monmouth MP David Davies and Peter Neale (right) who organised the installation of a plaque.'. The Middletown fire boat brought the victim to Perrotti Park in Newport, where it was met by Newport police and State Police, which took responsibility for the investigation. A dedication ceremony to reveal a new plaque honouring the men was carried out on September 10. The Narragansett Bay is great for sailing, but not everyone wants to take out the ol' sailboat for their daily commute. One of the last vestiges of the original 280-acre Vanderbilt Estate that stretched from East Main Road to the Sakonnet River, Sandy Point Stables was built beginning in 1860, with completion in 1902. The incident commander was Fire Capt. Bridge usage spikes on weekends and holidays and gets highest during the summer traveling months. I feel like its a lifeline. CINCINNATI, Ohio, May 10. Violators are subject to a $10 fine, on top of the unpaid toll. Planning for the bridge began in 1934. Now, where should they put it? Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life after being found guilty of murder, Meet the women and wives who helped build the Murdaugh Dynasty, Millions under tornado watches in South; 10 deaths reported: Weather updates. 12 News was on the scene Saturday evenin Nothing would surprise me based on history, but the facts lend to credence he jumped off the bridge, he said. Stick with @ABC6 pic.twitter.com/nN48rMbZ4I Brooke Taylor (@BTaylorABC6) August 11, 2019 The Newport Bridge, Rhode Island, is now considered an amazing part of history. -- A young woman committed suicide about 10 o'clock this morning by jumping into the Ohio River from Newport Bridge. After the bridge was built, it led to more tourism opportunities for the city. It is seen as an iconic landmark because it is the pathway to one of America's most historic cities. Travel was restricted on the Newport Bridge and the Jamestown Bridge due to the COVID-19 pandemic; travel has been completely opened up on both. A loving husband, (great) grandfather, father, father-in-law, brother-in-law and. That remains one of Rhode Islands most infamous questions decades after the convicted killerdisappeared. Each card highlights an unsolved homicide or missing person case in Rhode Island. It is the longest suspension bridge in New England. Condolences and . Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. The continually increasing importance of the bridge made it an attractive place to honor Rhode Island's heroes, and the structure was renamed to commemorate the retirement of the state's longest-serving senator, Claiborne Pell, in 1997. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. . The establishment of the E-ZPass system and the elimination of tokens also eliminated discounts for non-residents. It's a long bridge, approximately 3.4 km (approximately 2.13 miles) in length and is a wonderful drive. In 2020 it had over 20 million visitors, which was lower than its average, probably due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Presumably, the pair jumped to their deaths. In a controversial decision, the judge let Emery out on bail so he could get his affairs in order before he was sentenced. [18] On June 28, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the lawn of nearby Gurney's Newport Resort & Marina. Senator Claiborne Pell in 1992, though it is still commonly referred to as the Newport Bridge by residents of nearby towns. Early in 2012, the Authority had voted to raise tolls for passenger vehicles to $5. NEWS. Here's what you need to know", "Come along for the ride: Daily News tests out new ramp off Newport Pell Bridge", "After delays, RIDOT plans changes to Pell Bridge ramp traffic flow.