Admire a remarkable feat of engineering when you cross the colossal bridge that spans the East Passage of Narragansett Bay to connect Newport and Jamestown.
The Newport Bridge, officially Claiborne Pell Newport Bridge, is an immense suspension bridge and major roadway in southern Rhode Island. Spanning a monumental 11,248 feet (3,428 metres), the bridge connects Newport on Aquidneck Island to Jamestown on Conanicut Island. Drive across the bridge known to locals simply as Newport Bridge to traverse the East Passage of Narragansett Bay and take in stunning ocean views. You can see the longest bridge in New England from vantage points all over both islands, as well as towns and cities as distant as Johnston and Providence.
Opened to the public in 1969, the bridge is used by thousands of commuters every day. The bridge’s design features deck truss approaches and is 400 feet (120 metres) tall at its highest point. Its longest span reaches 1,600 feet (490 metres) in length. Go for a scenic drive across Newport Bridge to take in some of Rhode Island’s most spectacular ocean views. While the bridge is a fast and efficient way to reach Jamestown and Kingston to the west or Newport to the east, it also makes for a fantastic overlook across the eastern stretch of Narragansett Bay.
Spot the boats and yachts moored in Newport Harbour, the green landmass of Gould Island and the lighthouse on Rose Island. You’ll see the imposing battery of Fort Adams looking across to Fort Wetherill on Conanicut Island. Watch the coastline dropping away behind you as you drive further into the sheltered channel of water. See the waterfront of your destination ahead. If you’re lucky, you might pass over a boat or ferry as it makes its way underneath the tall spans.
If you find yourself in Johnston or Providence during your travels in Rhode Island, be sure to keep an eye out for Newport Bridge. The enormous structure can be seen from tall buildings in these places, both of which are approximately 30 miles (48.3 kilometres) away.
Newport Bridge is open to traffic at any time of the day however, there is a small toll fee for accessing the bridge. You can use the bike racks on the local buses to take your bicycle across the bridge.
