Newport declares emergency after College Street collapse; city seeks quick repairs

The City of Newport’s administrator reported that heavy rain caused a chunk of College Street to collapse and declared an emergency so staff could secure repairs without delay.

City Administrator James Fincher told the council a stone wall that supported the road failed after recent rains, leaving a hole beneath the roadway and prompting immediate traffic cones and an emergency response. "A big chunk of the street fell out ... it's a hazard to the public," Fincher said during the meeting. He said he had instructed staff to contact contractor Blaylock to inspect and repair the site on an emergency basis rather than delay action for competitive bidding.

Fincher also updated the council on traffic signal work: staff have received one quote for the Bronx intersection signal "just under $10,000" and are awaiting a second quote, while the signal near Walgreens requires state approval before modifications. On the police department relocation, Fincher said he had spoken with the property owner and hoped to have a recommendation at the next meeting.

Why it matters: the collapsed roadway presents an immediate safety risk to residents and drivers; declaring an emergency allows the city to move quickly to prevent further collapse or accidents. Public works staff were directed to secure contractor assessment and proceed with repairs, with status to be reported back to the council.

Fincher said cones and barricades are in place at the site and that staff consider prompt repair necessary due to the risk of additional collapse. The council was informed of the emergency action during the administrator’s report and did not withhold support for immediate contractor engagement.