Why the state and Portsmouth can't come to an agreement on Stone Bridge purchase

PORTSMOUTH – The Town Council would like the state-owned Stone Bridge to be repaired and reused but a disagreement with the state has stonewalled efforts.

According to Town Administrator Richard Rainer, the town early in 2023 approved a purchase and sale agreement with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation but backed out because the state would not allow local officials access to the property for inspection. According to reports, that price was $150,000.

Rainer said RIDOT wanted a signed purchase and sale agreement before allowing town officials to conduct an inspection.

“Whenever we sell property to anyone, we enter into a purchase and sales agreement with the buyer,” according to RIDOT spokesman Charles. St. Martin III. “It is a normal and customary process for inspections to happen after that document is signed. The town did not sign the purchase and sales agreement.”

Almost a year later at a February Town Council meeting, the council unanimously took a different turn and signed a “resolution to request legislation to effectuate a complete and comprehensive restoration, reconstruction, and refurbishing of the Stone Bridge abutment in Portsmouth,” according to Rainer.

The bridge was built in 1907 as a thoroughfare between Portsmouth and Tiverton before the Sakonnet Bridge was built for that purpose in 1956.

The Stone Bridge was also damaged by Hurricane Carole in 1954 and has seen its better days, according to officials.

In 2019, a portion of the Stone Bridge abutment in Portsmouth eroded and collapsed into the Sakonnet River, according to a written release from the town.

RIDOT installed fencing to close off the property for public use due to safety concerns and the Stone Bridge abutment continues to be closed for public use.

“It remains in a state of serious disrepair and deterioration, is a terrible eyesore on the Park Avenue waterfront, and it poses a significant risk and hazard to navigation, properties on the north end of Portsmouth, and public safety,” according to a written release from Rainer.

“The Teddy’s Beach property adjacent to the Stone Bridge abutment also is not properly cleaned, maintained, or managed by the state for use as a public beach.”

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Talks to purchase Stone Bridge stonewalled amid contract dispute