The Newport Pell Ramps projects have transformed the way commuters enter the City of Newport. The project consolidated and removed existing highway infrastructure, provided connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists between Admiral Kalbfus Road and America’s Cup Avenue along Newport Secondary corridor, and provided park & ride transit opportunity between the Pell Bridge Interchange and Gateway Center. These improvements were made to reduce congestion and queuing on the Newport Pell Bridge, enhance connectivity between Newport’s North End and Downtown, reduce traffic in downtown Newport, provide bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and spur economic development.

Additionally, the project improves roadway safety for all users and creates new parcels for development. The Pell Bridge Ramps project also included a relocated dog park, stormwater improvements, wetland mitigation, ITS installation, retaining walls. Bridge work included the demolition of three bridges and rehabilitation of the Route 138 bridges over Third Street, Old Colony Railroad, and JT Connell Highway. An ITS system was installed throughout the project footprint that is connected back to RIDOT through the RITBA in Jamestown and existing infrastructure at West Main Road.

The fiber optic cabling coupled with new dynamic message signs and CCTV cameras provides RIDOT with the most advanced traffic signal communication system in the state. The work also included milling and overlay, erosion control, management of contaminated soil, replacement of a railroad at-grade crossing, ADA compliant sidewalks and wheelchair ramps, ten new traffic signal systems, and many other incidentals.

This unique project presented challenges in all facets of heavy civil construction that Lynch was able to collaborate with RIDOT to overcome. Several right of way actions were needed to begin the construction of the new highway. Lynch worked with the abutters to provide the necessary temporary facilities to allow for demolition of the buildings in conflict with the roadway. Intensive coordination took place with the local utilities to ensure that relocations did not adversely affect the schedule. Construction is expected to be complete in late Summer 2024.