RITBA Newport pell bridge inspections

Steere Engineering has performed numerous inspections as a subconsultant for the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority on the Newport Pell Bridge. The Newport Pell Bridge is an 11,248-foot-long structure which includes a suspension bridge section consisting of a 1,600-foot-long main span and two 687-foot-long side spans. The remaining spans consist of various superstructure types including continuous and simply supported steel deck truss spans, built-up steel plate girder spans, steel multi-stringer spans and pre-stressed concrete beam spans.

Steere reviewed previous inspection reports, performed field inspections and prepared inspection reports based on inspection findings for the following Newport Pell Bridge inspections.

2018 & 2021: Both inspections included top of deck elements for the full length of the bridge as well as the catwalks underside of bridge, and prepared the report based on the inspection findings.

2020: Inspection included suspended spans, substructure elements including piers, protection cells and anchorages and towers (interior and exterior (visual); and superstructure elements including structural steel, suspension system including main suspension cables, expansion joints and fixed dams, stress relief joints, top and underside of the roadway deck, and sign structures.

2022: Inspection included suspended spans, critical areas of the structure to perform hands on inspection, areas generally most exposed to dampness and debris accumulation and/or least subject to preventative maintenance and, therefore, generally most susceptible to corrosion damage, such as expansion joints. Steere was also responsible for writing the inspection report for the 2022 inspection. .

Location: Newport, Rhode Island

Owner: Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA)

Timeline: 2018, 2020, 2021 & 2022