Bulletins & Announcements

RITBA to Seek Input, Provide Information about Four-Bridge System Tolling Process

Will also host an online meeting to supplement access to officials

JAMESTOWN, R.I. (April 2, 2013) – On Saturday, April 6, officials from the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) will be on hand to hear input and provide information about its process for setting toll rates.

RITBA will host two open houses: one from 9:00 a.m. to noon, and then another from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 at the Roger Williams University Bay Point Inn and Conference Center, 144 Anthony Road, Portsmouth (also known as the former Ramada Inn site). Additionally, RITBA will host a virtual meeting and video conference on Google Plus at http://bit.ly/WYxwGh from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as another avenue for residents to discuss details with RITBA officials.

“As we have done in the past when considering new tolls or increasing existing tolls, we would like the public to have the opportunity to provide their input about tolling and the types of discounts to be offered, and to learn how the board determines the rates based on financial need.”

The workshop will be casual, with no formal speaking program or presentation.

Darlington said tolling will likely begin in July, subject to approval by the Federal Highway Administration of the modified EIS submitted in January.

RITBA hired Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. of New York, N.Y., to complete a toll rate study. The report is posted on www.ritba.org and the most likely tolling scenarios will be posted on presentation boards for review. Each of the scenarios developed by Jacobs includes reduced rates available for those who qualify for and own R.I. E-ZPass transponders.

“The RITBA board will strive to set tolls that provide discounts for commuters with R.I. E-ZPass transponders while at the same time provide sufficient revenue to support the operations, maintenance and capital improvement requirements of the new four-bridge system,” said Darlington.

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority was created in 1954 by the Rhode Island General Assembly as a body corporate and politic, with powers to construct, acquire, maintain and operate bridge projects as defined by law. The Authority has no stockholders or equity holders. It is directed by a five member board of directors, all of whom are appointed by the governor.

E-ZPASS PHONE NUMBER 1-877-743-9727

Mt. Hope/Sakonnet Bridge Hearing: May 14, 2012

RITBA Mt. Hope/Sakonnet Bridge Hearing Presentation

RIDOT Mt. Hope/Sakonnet Bridge Hearing Presentation

RITBA Proposed Rules and Regulations

Concise Summary of Non-Technical Ammendments

Public Notice of Proposed Rule-Making

Newport/Pell and Mt. Hope Bridges Ten Year Plan

2011 Ten Year Plan

2009 Ten Year Renewal and Replacement Plan

Fiscal Integrity Study

RITBA Maintaining Financial and Operational Health: A Study of Options

1997 Mount Hope Bridge Toll and Revenue Study

Toll and Revenue Study

 

Newport/Pell Bridge & Mount Hope Bridge Costs

Current Ten Year Renewal and Replacement Plan

Recommended Twenty Year Renewal and Replacement Plan

Capital Plan Project Descriptions

A cost summary of the recommended plan is below: