RI seeks permission to put tolls near Connecticut border
Providence, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island transportation officials are seeking permission from the federal government to charge tolls on Interstate 95 near the Connecticut border.
The Department of Transportation filed an application in June asking for tollbooths between exits 1 and 2 on both sides of the highway in Hopkinton. No tolls are proposed at the Massachusetts border.
Transportation officials say they need the toll revenue to pay for replacing the Providence Viaduct bridge, building a new highway interchange off of I-95 in North Kingstown and ongoing maintenance and repair work on I-95 and Interstate 295. The viaduct replacement and new highway interchange are expected to cost $215 million.
Gov. Lincoln Chafee, state Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed and House Speaker Gordon Fox support adding tolls.
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