Overweight and Overwide Restrictions
Rhode Island Turnpike & Bridge Authority Permits (Overweight and Overwide)
The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority requires additional permitting beyond the State of Rhode Island Over-The-Road permits for crossing the Newport Pell and Mount Hope bridges. The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles notifies applicants to contact RITBA for this permit if they expect to use the facility. Click here for RITBA Overweight and Overwide Guidelines
All vehicles requiring a State of Rhode Island permit must have one, and proof will be required upon making an application for a RITBA permit. If a vehicle has neither permit, the driver may be informed that they are not allowed to use the bridge. Overweight Permit for Newport Pell Bridge / Overweight Permit for Mount Hope Bridge
RITBA offers an annual “blanket permit” that is issued to a single company to cover a fleet of company-owned vehicles for a single year. Applications can be made at any time during the year, and all permits expire one year from their issuance date. While a single blanket permit is issued to a company, that permit must list the type and registration of each vehicle covered under the permit and a copy of the permit must be kept in each covered vehicle. In general, blanket permits cover owned vehicles up to 12’4″ wide.
The Director of Engineering or designee may limit crossings to outside of commuter hours or specific construction activity. Commuter hours are Monday-Friday from 6:30am-9:00am and 3:30pm-6:30pm.
* You must have RITBA permit in addition to a state permit to cross the Newport Pell or Mount Hope bridges.
RI State Blanket / Special Permits can be obtained here.
RI Over-The-Road Permits from RI DMV
A vehicle exceeding the limitations below is required to secure an “over-the-road” permit from the State of Rhode Island. This is handled by the Registry of Motor Vehicles at Oversize Permits 401-462-5747.
The regulations from the Motor Vehicle Act of the State of Rhode Island for all highways and bridges impose limitations as follows:
Length: 40’0” – single unit. Tractor semi-trailer combinations – no overall length limit but semi-trailer cannot be more than 55’0” ft.
Width: 8’6”
Height: 13’6”
Weight: Rhode Island Bridge Formula
Vehicles exceeding the posted weight limit of 40 tons or the above sizes must obtain a State of RI permit to cross the bridge.
Newport Pell Bridge
All commercial vehicles weighing over 26,000 lbs must use RIGHT HAND LANE.
|
Maximum gross weight (without permit) (Axle load restrictions may apply) |
40 tons (80,000 lbs.) |
| Maximum gross weight (with permit) | 160,000 |
| Permit obtained from (application can be faxed or emailed) | RITBA (See Fee Structure in Guidelines) |
| Horizontal Clearance between sidewalk curbs and median | 23′ |
| Maximum Grade | 4.8% |
|
Maximum Width Permitted Far Right Lane (Eastbound) Toll Plaza Far Right Lane (Westbound) Toll Plaza Bridge Travel Lane (outside) Bridge Passing Lane (inside) |
Must have RI over the road permit Curb to Curb: 14′ 10″, Gate House to Post: 15′ 7″ Curb to Curb: 13′ 11″, Gate House to Post: 15′ 2 “ 11′ 6″ 10′ 6″ |
| Maximum Height Permitted | 15’6″ |
Newport Pell Bridge Permit form
Mt Hope Bridge
|
Maximum gross weight
|
30 tons (60,000 lbs.) No Exceptions |
| Permit obtained from (application can be faxed or emailed) | RITBA (See Fee Structure in Guidelines) |
| Maximum Width Permitted | Anything wider than 8’6″ requires a State of RI over the road permit and a RITBA permit |
Jamestown Verrazzano Bridge
|
Maximum gross weight (Without State of RI permit)
|
40 tons (80,000 lbs.) Anything heavier requires a state of RI permit |
| Permit obtained from | RI Division of Motor Vehicles |
| Maximum Width Permitted | Anything wider than 8’6″ requires a State of RI over the road permit only |
Sakonnet River Bridge
|
Maximum gross weight (Without State of RI permit) |
40 tons (80,000 lbs.) Anything heavier requires a state of RI permit |
| Permit obtained from | RI Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Maximum Width Permitted | Anything wider than 8’6″ requires a State of RI over the road permit only |