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February 22, 2008

Storm update: Pell Bridge re-opens after accidents

Both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the Pell Bridge have been cleared after three minor accidents closed the span temporarily, according to the state's Traffic Management Center.

Sgt. Frank Sullivan of the Portsmouth barracks of the State Police said no serious injuries were reported in the bridge accidents.

The bridge connecting Jamestown and Newport was closed around 6:10 p.m. as sleet and freezing rain made driving hazardous around the state. The eastbound lane was re-opened at 6:48 p.m., while the westbound lane was still closed. Sullivan said the slippery surface would be retreated after the accidents were cleared.

Mixed conditions following the day's snowfall began sooner than expected, state officials said this evening, so drivers should slow down if they must be out on the roads.

Icy roads were being reported around the southern part of the state between 6 and 7 p. m., and those conditions were expected to move northward.

“Motorists need to use extreme caution. The freezing rain is making roadways slippery," Brendan Doherty, who commands the State Police, said in a statement earlier this evening.

The EMA said the evening commute appeared to be lighter "thanks to partnering with municipalities and employers across the state heeding the warnings to stagger releases."

The sleet and freezing rain will help keep snow accumulation from continuing to rise, but it can cause other, slippery problems.

The National Weather Service says the mixed precipitation will change back to all snow after 10 p.m. It, too, advises travelers to plan for extra time and use caution as hazardous weather conditions are expected.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 7:17 PM | Permalink

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