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New Sakonnet River Bridge opens
New Sakonnet River Bridge to open to traffic NB
Updated: Thursday, 20 Sep 2012, 9:02 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 20 Sep 2012, 9:02 PM EDT
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – After four years of delays and detours the new Sakonnet River Bridge opened to traffic on Thursday.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation opened the two northbound lanes of the bridge, which carry Route 24 from Portsmouth to Tiverton.
The DOT says the opening means an 18-ton weight limit for northbound lanes will be lifted.
Though residents say they are happy that they will no longer have to deal with the detours, they are still concerned over tolls that are expected to go into effect next summer.
Residents say the tolls will greatly hurt the economy of Aquidneck Island, but state officials argue that toll funding is necessary to fund bridge maintenance.
Two southbound lanes are expected to open in a week.
Work continues on the bridge and is expected to last into the spring.
Copyright WPRI
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