Environmental Permitting
Newport Cliff Walk
Newport, RI
Key Design Element: Shore Protection, Bridge Design, Sea Walls, Environmental Permitting & Landscaping
Client: Rhode Island Department of Transportation & The City of Newport, RI
Construction Cost: $18 Million in four phases
Construction Completion: 1994, 2006, 2014, 2017
The Newport Cliff Walk extends 3.5 miles along the southeastern shoreline of Newport RI, bordered by the prominent historic Newport Mansions to its west and the Atlantic shoreline to its east. The Cliff Walk has a well-documented history of damage and continued threat from storms and wave action. The problem of continued erosion had resulted in retreat of the cliffs and bluffs and the destruction of the existing shore protection.
Commonwealth Engineers & Consultants, Inc. was retained to evaluate and design coastal shore protection and restoration measures, repairs to existing walls and walkways, new sea walls, and drainage improvements as well as landscape enhancements
for this nationally significant trail. Also part of this project, a new stone and steel pedestrian bridge, reminiscent of Frederick Law Olmsted's original stone arch bridge design, was constructed at Doris Duke's estate "Rough Point".
Due to its environmentally sensitive location, the project included extensive RIDOT and CE&C coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, the City of Newport, local historic preservation societies and adjacent property owners.
The project has been built in several construction contracts. Contract 1 was completed in 1994, Contract 2 in 2006, Contract 3 in 2014, and Contract 4 in 2017 (the latter for the City of Newport).
Pawtucket Bridge Park
Pawtucket, RI
Key Design Element: Brownfield redevelopment, stormwater treatment, point of interest graphics, passive recreation
Client: Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Pawtucket, RI
Construction Cost: $0.5 Million
Construction Completion: 2014
Project Description:
Commonwealth Engineers & Consultants, Inc. was originally contacted by the RIDOT to design a stormwater treatment facility for the reconstructed impervious surface areas associated with the new bridge project in an area that had brownfield issues. During coordination with the city of Pawtucket, CE&C was asked to design a park space on the land within the lot that would not be required for the stormwater treatment. Multiple coordination meetings with a City task force to incorporate design concepts associated with views of the adjacent Pawtucket River, the new Pawtucket Bridge and the historic Division Street Bridge were held. Innovative paving techniques, an overlook with descriptive sign panels, a unique entrance gate and handicap accessibility were all designed to provide an informative yet fun space within coastal regulatory jurisdiction.
"Bridge Park” will be located immediately adjacent to the recently constructed Pawtucket Bridge 550 and the historic Division Street Bridge in the City of Pawtucket on a former auto dealership lot.
H. Olive Day Elementary School
Coming soon!
Coventry Recreational Complex
Coming soon!
Colt Andrews School Playground
Coming soon!
Immaculate Conception School
Coming soon!
Rising Sun Mills
Coming soon!
Crossing at Smithfield
Coming soon!