You’re driving toward Newport, the sun is hitting the water just right, and suddenly there it is. This massive, elegant green giant rising out of Narragansett Bay. Most people call it the Rhode Island Newport Bridge, though if you want to be technical—and get on the good side of the locals—it’s officially the Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge.
It’s an icon. It’s on the state quarter. It’s the thing you see on every "Welcome to Rhode Island" postcard. But honestly? Most people who drive over it don't actually know the weird, slightly stressful, and impressive history that keeps those four lanes of asphalt suspended 215 feet in the air.
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The Bridge That Almost Didn't Happen
Building a bridge this big wasn't exactly a "no-brainer" back in the day. Before 1969, if you wanted to get from Jamestown to Newport, you were waiting for a ferry. Every. Single. Time.
The Navy was a huge player in this drama. Because of the Newport Naval Station, the military was worried a bridge would trap their biggest ships if it ever collapsed. They basically told the state: "If you build this, it better be high enough for a literal aircraft carrier to sail under it."
That’s why the clearance is so intense. We’re talking a 215-foot vertical clearance. To put that in perspective, you could stack about 40 giraffes on top of each other under that main span and still have room to breathe.
Construction finally kicked off in 1966. It cost roughly $57 million at the time, which sounds like a bargain now, but it was a massive gamble then. When it finally opened on June 28, 1969, it changed the culture of the islands overnight. Jamestown stopped being a sleepy "summer-only" escape and turned into a year-round community for people who realized they could actually commute to jobs in Newport or Providence without a boat schedule.
Rhode Island Newport Bridge: By the Numbers
If you’re into engineering, this thing is a masterpiece. If you’re not, the sheer scale of it is still kinda terrifying/cool.
- Total Length: 11,247 feet (over two miles).
- Tower Height: The towers hit 400 feet above the water.
- The Cables: There are about 8,000 miles of wire inside those suspension cables. If you unspooled it, you could stretch it from Rhode Island to California and back.
- The Deep End: Divers had to go 162 feet underwater to set the piles. At the time, it was the deepest bridge foundation work ever attempted.
Why is it Called the Pell Bridge?
You'll hear locals swap between "Newport Bridge" and "Pell Bridge" constantly. In 1992, the state renamed it after Senator Claiborne Pell.
If that name sounds familiar, it’s probably because of the Pell Grant. The guy was a legend in Rhode Island politics for 35 years and basically pioneered the way the U.S. government helps kids pay for college. Since he lived in Newport, it made sense to slap his name on the biggest thing in town.
The "Wrong Steel" Rumor and Other Myths
You might hear a story from an Uber driver or a guy at a bar in downtown Newport that "the wrong steel was used" or "it’s secretly falling apart."
Let's clear that up. While there were some paint issues early on (the first coat failed almost immediately), the steel itself is solid. However, the bridge is old. As of 2026, it’s been enduring salty, humid, New England air for over 55 years. That’s why you’ll often see lane closures for maintenance.
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) is currently in the middle of a massive multi-year renovation. They’re installing a de-humidification system inside the main cables to stop corrosion. It’s like putting a giant silica packet inside the bridge to keep it dry. They expect this work to keep the bridge standing for another 50 to 75 years.
Dealing with the Tolls (The 2026 Reality)
Gone are the days of tossing quarters into a plastic bin. The Rhode Island Newport Bridge is all-electronic. If you don't have an E-ZPass, don't expect to pull over and pay cash—you’ll just get a bill in the mail based on your license plate.
As of early 2026, here is the basic breakdown:
- RI Resident with E-ZPass: You’re usually looking at around $0.83 per trip. It’s the best deal in the state.
- Out-of-State / Non-Resident E-ZPass: Usually around $4.00.
- Toll-by-Plate (No E-ZPass): This is where it hurts. You’re looking at $6.00 or more per crossing once they factor in the processing fees.
Pro Tip: If you're visiting for more than a day, just get the E-ZPass. It works all the way down the East Coast anyway.
Can You Walk Across It?
Short answer: No.
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Long answer: Only one day a year.
Unless you want a very expensive ticket and a ride in a police cruiser, do not try to walk or bike across the bridge. There is no sidewalk. The wind gusts up there can be brutal—sometimes hitting over 60 mph—which leads to "Level II" restrictions where high-profile vehicles (like box trucks and RVs) are banned until the wind dies down.
The exception is the Citizens Pell Bridge Run. Usually held in October, it’s the only time they shut down the traffic and let thousands of runners and walkers take over the spans. The views from the top during the run are incredible, but your legs will definitely feel that incline.
Hidden Spots for the Best Photos
If you want the "money shot" of the bridge for your Instagram or just to look at, don't try to take it while driving. It's dangerous and the railing is high.
Instead, head to Storer Park in Newport. It’s right on the water and gives you a perfect profile view of the suspension spans. Another great spot is Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown. If you hike down toward the cliffs, you can see the bridge framed by the rocky coastline. It’s peak Rhode Island.
Common Misconceptions
People often think the Newport Bridge is the one that had the "big closure" recently. That was actually the Washington Bridge in Providence (part of I-195).
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While the Newport Bridge has its share of construction, it hasn't faced the same structural "near-catastrophe" that hit the Providence span. However, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has flagged the Pell Bridge as needing "vulnerability assessments" regarding ship strikes—basically making sure what happened in Baltimore doesn't happen here. RITBA says they're on it, but it’s a topic of conversation among locals every time a massive tanker sails through the East Passage.
What to Do Next
If you’re planning a trip across the bridge, here’s the smart way to do it:
- Check the Wind: If you're driving a camper or a high-profile van, check the RITBA website for wind restrictions before you leave Jamestown.
- Mount Your E-ZPass: Make sure your transponder is actually on the windshield. The "toll-by-plate" fees are a headache you don't need.
- Time Your Crossing: Avoid Friday afternoons in the summer. Everyone from New York and Connecticut is trying to get into Newport at the same time, and the bridge becomes a two-mile parking lot.
- Visit the Museum: If you're a history nerd, the RITBA office near the old toll plaza sometimes has displays, or you can check out the local historical societies in Newport for original construction photos.
The Rhode Island Newport Bridge is more than just a way to get to a fancy dinner on Thames Street. It’s a 23,000-ton reminder of what Rhode Island can build when it actually decides to think big. Drive safe, enjoy the view, and remember: it’s the Pell Bridge.