US Bridges

Ri 138 over East Passage Narr Bay

FairPosted for load

Newport County, Rhode Island · Betwn Jamestown Newport · Structure no. 000000000009000

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Suspension
Steel
Length
11,248 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
28,000
2016 count
Owner
Toll Authority
State Toll Authority

About this bridge

Ri 138 over East Passage Narr Bay is a steel suspension carrying Ri 138 over East Passage Narr Bay in Newport County, Rhode Island. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older than the Rhode Island average of 54.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for other load-capacity restriction.

It carries about 28,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,012 by 2036. The structure is 11,248 ft (3,428.4 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 57.2 mi (92 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRi 138
CrossesEast Passage Narr Bay
LocationBetwn Jamestown Newport
RouteState Highway 138
CountyNewport County
StateRhode Island
Coordinates41.50368, -71.34289
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for other load-capacity restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSuspension
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+52 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length11,248 ft (3,428.4 m)
Longest span1,600 ft (487.7 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.5 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic28,000 (2016)
Projected traffic24,012 by 2036
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed57.2 mi (92 km)
TollToll bridge
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Toll Authority
Maintained byState Toll Authority
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$7.6 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ri 138 over East Passage Narr Bay built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ri 138 over East Passage Narr Bay in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Ri 138 over East Passage Narr Bay carry?

About 28,000 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Ri 138 over East Passage Narr Bay?

The structure is 11,248 ft (3,428.4 m) long with a longest span of 1,600 ft (487.7 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns Ri 138 over East Passage Narr Bay?

It is owned by the State Toll Authority.