Community Corner

Portsmouth To Sue DOT Director, Turnpike and Bridge Authority

The Portsmouth Town Council will file a lawsuit against several defendants, including the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority.

The Portsmouth Town Council will file a lawsuit against several defendants, including the state's Department of Transportation director and the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, in response to proposed bridge tolls on the new Sakonnet River Bridge. 

The council voted unanimously Monday night to file a complaint in U.S. District Court in an effort to stop tolls, reports The Sakonnet Times.

The complaint to be filed is attached in its entirety at right as a pdf.

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The complaint accuses the RITBA and Michael Lewis, director of the DOT, of violating the Federal-Aid Highway Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. 

The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority voted to establish toll rates last Wednesday despite pending legislation to block tolls. 

Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The lawsuit announcement comes only days before a hearing on pending bills is expected to draw large crowds of East Bay residents at the State House. The hearing will be held Thursday, April 25, beginning at 1 p.m. at the State House.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here