Newport to Fund Temporary Support for Purple People Bridge
Newport continues its stewardship of the Purple People Bridge, signing a short-term lease with LRT Restoration Technologies, LLC to maintain and inspect the emergency shoring system that supports a damaged masonry pier. The city assumed ownership of the bridge in September and now manages the contract directly.
“This is shoring that was put up last year by the Purple People Bridge Company,” said Newport Assistant Manager Brian Steffen. “We’ve since inherited that shoring expense while we seek out permanent repairs for the bridge.”
The emergency shoring tower, installed in 2024 after signs of major structural stress were found, remains vital for stabilization and as part of a future lifting system to realign the damaged bridge section. City officials noted that maintaining the shoring ensures safety and structural integrity while long-term repair and funding plans are developed.
Author's Summary
Newport leases a temporary tower to stabilize the Purple People Bridge, ensuring its safety while engineers design and fund lasting restoration efforts.