Newport Pell Bridge Complete Guide: Tolls, History & Travel Information 2025
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Newport Pell Bridge Complete Guide
Official Name: Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge
Type: Suspension bridge (longest in New England)
Length: 11,247 feet (3,428 meters) total
Main Span: 1,601 feet (488 meters)
Opened: June 28, 1969
Route: Rhode Island Route 138
Connects: Newport (Aquidneck Island) to Jamestown (Conanicut Island)
Operator: Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA)
Newport Pell Bridge Tolls 2025
The Newport Pell Bridge is Rhode Island's only toll facility, operating with all-electronic tolling since October 2021. Toll rates vary significantly based on residency status and payment method.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Type (2025)
| Vehicle Type | RI Resident E-ZPass | Non-Resident E-ZPass | Bill by Mail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Car (2 axles) | $0.83 | $4.00 | $6.00 |
| Motorcycle | $0.83 | $4.00 | $6.00 |
| 3-Axle Vehicle | $6.00 | $6.00 | $9.00 |
| 4-Axle Vehicle | $8.00 | $8.00 | $12.00 |
| 5+ Axle Vehicle | $10.00 | $10.00 | $15.00 |
Resident Discount Requirements
To qualify for the $0.83 Rhode Island resident rate:
- Must use RITBA-issued E-ZPass transponder
- Vehicle must be registered in Rhode Island
- Vehicle must be under 7,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight
- Must enroll in RI Resident Discount Plan
How to Pay Newport Pell Bridge Tolls
The Newport Pell Bridge operates with all-electronic tolling. No cash is accepted at the bridge.
1. E-ZPass Electronic Payment:
- RITBA E-ZPass: Best rates for Rhode Island residents
- Out-of-state E-ZPass: Works but at non-resident rates
- Open road tolling at up to 45 mph
- Automatic account deduction
2. Bill by Mail (License Plate Recognition):
- Automatic photography of license plate
- Invoice mailed to registered owner
- Higher rates than E-ZPass
- 14-day payment window to avoid additional fees
3. Payment Options:
- Online: www.ezpassritba.com
- Phone: 1-877-743-9727
- Mail: P.O. Box 437, Jamestown, RI 02835
- In-person: RITBA offices adjacent to toll plaza
To calculate exact toll costs for your specific vehicle and route, use TollGuru's Newport Pell Bridge calculator:
Bridge History & Construction
The Newport Pell Bridge stands as one of Rhode Island's most iconic landmarks and engineering achievements, representing decades of planning and construction.
Construction Timeline
| Year | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1934 | Planning Begins | Initial bridge planning and feasibility studies |
| 1948 | Serious Development | Newport-Jamestown Civic Commission created |
| 1966 | Construction Starts | Approach piers construction begins April 5 |
| 1969 | Bridge Opens | June 28 - Official opening ceremony |
| 1992 | Renamed | Renamed for Senator Claiborne Pell |
Construction Details
- Cost: $54.7 million (1969 dollars)
- Constructor: Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade & Douglas
- Construction Period: 3 years (1966-1969)
- Purpose: Replace ferry service between Newport and Jamestown
- Navy Requirements: 400-foot navigation channel, 215-foot vertical clearance
Engineering Specifications
- Total Length: 11,247 feet (3,428 meters)
- Main Span: 1,601 feet (488 meters) - longest suspension bridge in New England
- Tower Height: 400 feet (122 meters) above water
- Roadway Height: 215 feet (66 meters) above water
- Lanes: 4 lanes (2 in each direction)
- Weight Ranking: 87th among world's longest suspension bridges
Recent Changes & Maintenance (2025)
Tolling System Updates:
- All-electronic tolling fully operational since October 2021
- Enhanced license plate recognition technology
- Improved mobile payment options for bill-by-mail customers
- Warning: Text message toll scams increasing - always verify at ezpassritba.com
Infrastructure Improvements:
- Major rehabilitation project planned with federal infrastructure funding
- De-humidification system installation to reduce corrosion
- Tower elevator repairs and upgrades
- Finger joint replacements for bridge movement
- Security camera system enhancements
- Partial deck reconstruction extending bridge life 50-75 years
Access Road Improvements:
- New eastbound approach connector completed January 2023
- Former "Bridge to Nowhere" overpass demolished April 2023
- JT Connell Highway reconnection completed March 2023
- Improved traffic flow to downtown Newport
Safety Assessments:
- Comprehensive risk assessment initiated after Baltimore bridge collapse
- Analysis of vessel traffic patterns and waterway characteristics
- Review of pilot practices and navigational controls
- Main piers extend 100-150 feet below mean high water for protection
Travel Information
Route & Connections
- Route: Rhode Island Route 138
- Newport Access: Route 238 north or Route 138 west
- Jamestown Access: Route 138 east or Conanicus Avenue north
- Mainland Connection: Continue via Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge
- Speed Limit: 45 mph (reduced during construction)
Traffic Information
- Daily Traffic: Approximately 15,000 vehicles
- Peak Hours: Summer weekends, especially to/from Cape Cod
- Construction Impact: Periodic lane closures for maintenance
- Weather Restrictions: High wind advisories during storms
Alternative Routes
- Northern Route: Route 195 to Route 24 through Portsmouth
- Time Penalty: 20-45 minutes additional travel time
- Ferry Service: Seasonal and limited schedule options
- Scenic Value: Route 138 offers superior coastal views
Special Events & Activities
Citizens Pell Bridge Run
- Annual Event: Typically held in October
- Distance: 4-mile run/walk across the bridge
- Participation: Over 40,000 runners since 2011
- Bridge Closure: Temporary closure to vehicle traffic during event
- History: First bridge run in 1980s for Save The Bay
Photography & Tourism
- Instagram Fame: #ThatNPTBridge hashtag
- State Quarter: Featured on 2001 Rhode Island quarter
- Documentary: "The Newport Bridge: A Rhode Island Icon" (2019)
- 50th Anniversary: Celebrated with events at Fort Adams (2019)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk or bike across the Newport Pell Bridge?
No, pedestrians and bicycles are not permitted on the bridge for safety reasons. RIPTA bus #64 has bike racks and provides weekday/Saturday service across the bridge.
Why is the resident toll rate so much lower?
The $0.83 resident rate was established to provide affordable access for locals who use the bridge regularly for work and daily activities, while non-residents pay higher rates to help fund bridge maintenance and improvements.
What happens during high winds?
RITBA implements travel restrictions during severe weather, including potential closures for high-profile vehicles or complete closures during extreme conditions. Check RITBA's website or social media for current conditions.
Can I pay tolls with cash?
No, all cash toll booths were permanently closed in October 2021. The bridge operates with all-electronic tolling using E-ZPass or bill-by-mail only.
How do I avoid rental car fees?
Consider purchasing a temporary E-ZPass for visits longer than 2-3 days. Rental companies typically charge $3-15 daily fees plus $15+ administrative fees for each unpaid toll.
Related Rhode Island Bridges
Other RITBA Bridges (Toll-Free):
- Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge - Connects Jamestown to mainland
- Mount Hope Bridge - Bristol to Portsmouth, longest suspension bridge in New England until 1969
- Sakonnet River Bridge - Tiverton to Portsmouth, toll eliminated 2013
Historic Connections:
- Jamestown Bridge - Original bridge demolished 2006, replaced by Verrazzano Bridge
- Rhode Island Toll Bridges - Complete state toll bridge system
Contact Information
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority:
- Phone: (401) 423-0800
- E-ZPass Support: 1-877-743-9727
- Website: www.ritba.org
- E-ZPass Website: www.ezpassritba.com
- Address: P.O. Box 437, Jamestown, RI 02835
Business Hours:
- Walk-in Center: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM
- Phone Support: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM
- Bridge Operations: 24/7
