We are all familiar with the Claiborne Pell Bridge. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in the Ocean State. The bridge is even featured on the Rhode Island state quarter. Planning began for the Narragansett Bay crossing in 1934, but the Newport Bridge construction did not begin until 1966. Let’s take a look at some of the amazing photos from that time.

The Claiborne Pell Bridge, sometimes called the Pell Bridge or the Newport Bridge, is the longest suspension bridge in New England.
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority
Construction began on April 5, 1966. The $57 million dollar bay crossing opened to traffic on June 28, 1969.
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority
Replacing the original ferry service, the Newport Bridge construction took just three years to complete.
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority
The main span of the bridge has a length of 1,601 feet while the overall length of the bridge is overall length of the bridge is 11,247 feet.
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority

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The roadway reaches a height of 215 feet as it crosses the East Passage of the Narragansett Bay.
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority
Currently approximately 27,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily.
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority
Four lanes of traffic cross the bridge, two lanes in each direction. The bridge is currently the only tolled property in our state.
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority
This gateway to Newport, once it was complete, led to a surge in the tourism industry.
Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority
The Claiborne Pell Bridge remains an iconic landmark and structure of architectural beauty in the Ocean State.
Flickr/G.E. Long

Do you or anyone in your family have memories of the Newport Bridge construction? If you enjoy learning about Rhode Island’s landmarks, check out the fascinating story behind this lighthouse.

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