The Governor’s office has has released the preliminary locations of 14 toll gantries. The gantries are part of Governor Raimondo’s $1.1 billion infrastructure repair plan, known as Rhode Works, introduced last spring.
The gantries would be used to toll large commercial trucks using the state’s highway system as a way to pay for repairs to the state’s bridges. The 14 locations are spread across the state, along I-95 and I-295, as well as Route 146.
The potential locations include five in the Providence area. Others are planned for Cumberland, Johnston, Richmond and Exeter.
The governor’s administration emphasizes the locations are subject to change. Raimondo released the list following calls from lawmakers saying the governor was not being transparent enough with plans for the proposed tolls.
Almost as soon as it was announced, critics took issue with the plan, saying it would hurt the trucking industry in the state, and ultimately cost consumers. Despite continued vocal opposition, the infrastructure plan is expected to go before the General Assembly in the early part of session.
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