PORTSMOUTH/BRISTOL — Due to weather creating safety concerns, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) has implemented restricted access on the Mt. Hope Bridge and two others.

The order prohibits empty panel body-type trucks, tractor trailers, empty van types, house trailers, motor homes, motorcycles and mopeds on the Mt. Hope and Jamestown-Verrazzano bridges.

The original order also applied to the Newport Pell Bridge, but access was later prohibited altogether on that span, except for emergency vehicles. A container truck tipped over onto the center barriers on the Newport Pell Bridge shortly before noon Friday due to high winds.

Portsmouth Police released this statement: "The Mt. Hope Bridge is closed to high profile vehicles to include trucks and buses due to the ongoing storm, until further notice. As of 1300 hrs. the Sakonnet Bridge has not been closed and will remain open. We encourage motorists to seek safe and alternative routes during this storm."

The protocol for restricted access on the bridges is if winds are sustained at 50 knots (58 mph) with certain wind directions.

Members of the public can check bridge conditions and closures by visiting the RITBA website at ritba.org, by calling RITBA at 401/423-0803, or on Twitter at @RIEZPASS.