Open Road Tolling Now Open on Pell Bridge

In the wee hours of the morning today, open road tolling in Rhode Island became a reality.  Drivers with E-ZPass transponders can now drive through the Newport Pell Bridge plaza without stopping.  

In response to public feedback, RITBA added open road tolling (ORT) and removed the gates from the E-ZPass-only lanes.  Vehicles equipped with E-ZPass transponders have the exclusive use of the new left lanes. 

Motorists paying by cash will experience no changes, other than reduced lines at the gated lanes as E-ZPass users divert to the ORT lanes.

“Drive safely, pay attention as you approach the plaza, and choose the correct lane,” said David Darlington, chairman of Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority.  “If you are paying cash, stay right.  If you have an E-ZPass transponder, you can use any lane as well as the new E-ZPass-only lanes on the left.”