WSP USA Joins Rhode Island Authority in Celebrating Newport Pell Bridge 50th Anniversary

Motorists first crossed New England’s longest suspension bridge a half century ago today.

JAMESTOWN, RI — Today, WSP USA and Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority join to celebrate the Newport Pell Bridge’s 50th anniversary. WSP USA, a leading engineering firm, served as the original designer and provided construction oversight for the suspension bridge from 1966 through its completion in 1969.

Officially opened to traffic on June 28,1969, the Newport Bridge is a 11,250-foot-long water crossing of the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. The crossing features a 1,600-foot suspension main span and two 689-foot side spans. The iconic toll bridge, which was represented on the back of the Rhode Island state quarter issued in 2001, remains the longest suspension bridge in New England.

In addition to WSP’s role as the original planning, design and construction oversight consultant for the bridge, WSP has supported the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority since 1969, providing a wide range of expertise including annual and in-depth inspections and technical engineering services, as well as master planning support to maintain this vital link to Southeast Rhode Island.

“We are honored to celebrate the 50th anniversary with the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority,” said Anthony Moretti, vice president and Rhode Island area manager at WSP. “The ability to maintain the original reinforced concrete roadway deck for 50 years is something we take great pride in, along with the numerous cost saving innovations that we have been able to incorporate into the original design and subsequently the long-term maintenance.”

WSP has led the development, rehabilitation and inspection of thousands of bridges across the U.S. for more than a century. The firm is experienced in both steel and concrete bridges, including cable-stayed, arch, truss, segmental, suspension, girder, movable and floating, as well as multi-level highway interchanges. Services range from feasibility studies and environmental permitting through preliminary and final design, to program and construction management. Specialty services include inspection, rating, seismic analysis, rehabilitation design and value engineering services.

For more information about the Newport Pell Bridge 50th Anniversary, please visit www.RITBA.org.

About WSP USA

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 9,500 employees in 150 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com