Sakonnet River Bridge 'Best Candidate' For Tolls, Says DOT Director

Lack of funds and options for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (DOT) to generate new revenue is a reason Director Michael P. Lewis is pushing for tolls on the new Sakonnet River Bridge. He went into detail about the situation with East Bay Newspapers recently. 

The stance comes at the heels of the , and town councils passing resolutions to oppose tolls on the bridge. The councils proposed the resolutions in support of to prohibit tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge.

Lewis said Gov. Lincoln Chafee's fiscal 2012-13 budget proposal calls to transfer ownership of the Sakonnet River Bridge to the Rhode Island Bridge and Turnpike Authority.

Area residents, too, have of tolls, and increased tolls, on bridges in East Bay and Newport County.

Construction of the new $163.7-million Sakonnet River Bridge and is expected to open later this year or early 2013.