A recent federal appeals court ruling will allow Rhode Island to reinstate tolling on large trucks under its RhodeWorks program. The court ruled that the tolling system complies with federal law and that daily toll caps are unconstitutional.
The program tolls large trucks at 14 gantries statewide and directs revenue to bridge repairs and maintenance. The ruling allows tolling to resume without daily caps. By restoring tolls, the agency can begin to address its projected $398 million budget deficit for fiscal 2026.
Gov. Dan McKee and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha applauded the ruling.
“Tolling trucks is in the best interest of all Rhode Islanders and a necessary revenue source to support repairs and upkeep of the state’s transportation system,” Neronha said.
“This decision underscores the critical role tolling plays in improving America’s infrastructure and strengthening our economy,” Mark Muriello, International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) vice president of policy and government affairs, said. “Rhode Island’s ability to maintain and modernize its transportation network through fair and sustainable funding mechanisms sets a strong example for states across the nation.”
In March 2023, IBTTA filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals, supporting the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority’s efforts to overturn an earlier decision halting toll collections.