10-Cent Toll Could Result in Bridge Return, Says RITBA

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority might return the Sakonnet River Bridge and another bridge to the state if revenues are not created to maintain the spans, according to The Providence Journal. 

David Darlington, chairman of the RITBA, told The Journal that if the bridges are not met by a revenue source to maintain them, RITBA can return the bridges to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. 

In 2012, Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed the state's budget into law. The budget included a transfer of ownership and maintenance responsibilities of the Sakonnet River Bridge and Jamestown Bridge to the RITBA. 

At the end of the last legislative session, lawmakers made an eleventh hour vote to impose a 10-cent toll on the Sakonnet River Bridge. Tolls are only collected currently on the Newport "Pell" Bridge. 

The 10-cent toll on the Sakonnet River Bridge, which spans Portsmouth and Tiverton, is slated to begin on Aug. 19; however, the RITBA previously stated the state will lose millions as a result of the decision.  

What do you think about the RITBA possibly giving the Sakonnet River Bridge back to the state? Is this a good call? Will this benefit the East Bay, Rhode Island? 

Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!