RITBA Considers Adding Observatory Deck, Bike Lane to Newport Bridge
Thursday, November 15, 2018
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) announced that it is considering adding bike and pedestrian paths, as well as, an enclosed observatory tower to the Newport Pell Bridge.
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“The impact these advancements will have on our state cannot be expressed enough. It’s a great time to reflect and celebrate this milestone and look back at the last fifty years, while also looking ahead to the future and the exciting things that could come,” said Buddy Croft, Executive Director at the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority.
The announcement made as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of the bridge.
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According to RITBA’s press release, RITBA is considering installing bike/pedestrian paths on its bridges which currently do not have them – The Newport Pell Bridge, the Mount Hope Bridge, and the Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge.
They are also considering the construction of an enclosed observatory on top of the 400 foot high west tower of the Newport Pell Bridge.
This potential project would include an elevator running up the side of the tower to transport people to and from the observation deck.
RITBA believes this would “be a major attraction, enhance tourism and generate substantial annual revenue.”
