PORTSMOUTH/BRISTOL — The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) has closed the Mount Hope Bridge due to high winds, effective immediately.

Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.

Under RITBA protocols, RITBA may elect to close a bridge when sustained wind speeds exceed 70 mph for a continuous period of 15 minutes or more or wind gusts persistently exceed 70 mph over a period of 15 minutes.

The bridge will reopen when conditions are deemed safe.

RITBA is implementing full wind restrictions on the Newport Pell and Jamestown Verrazzano bridges. Only automobiles, pickup trucks, flatbed trailers, commercial buses and heavy-laden tractor/trailers are permitted to cross the bridges.

School buses are not permitted to cross the bridges at this time. Motorists who are denied passage will be assisted with safely turning around.

Under RITBA protocols, limited wind restrictions may be implemented when sustained wind speeds exceed 60 mph for a continuous period of 15 minutes or more; or wind gusts persistently exceed 60 mph over a period of 15 minutes.

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