Portsmouth Files Restraining Order Against Bridge Toll Construction

The town of Portsmouth filed a restraining order in U.S. District Court on Thursday against the implementation of bridge tolls, only a day after the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority announced construction of a toll system. 

The temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction calls for restraining the defendents from proceeding in any way with or towards the imposition of tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge, including the transfer of the bridge from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, and any actions relating to the construction and installation of a proposed All Electronic Toll Collection (AETC) system. 

The full order reads as follows: 

Plaintiff, the Town of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, hereby moves, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 65, for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, restraining and enjoining the defendants from proceeding in any way with or towards the imposition of tolls on the Sakonnet River Bridge, including without limitation the transfer of the bridge from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, and any actions relating to the construction and installation of a proposed All Electronic Toll Collection (AETC) system, pending a full and final adjudication on the merits of this action. In support hereof, plaintiff refers to its Amended Verified Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief, and the accompanying Memorandum and Exhibits thereto. 

On Wednesday, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority announced plans to install an open-road toll system before the Memorial Day weekend. 

Construction on the open road toll system could be seen by drivers on Wednesday and Thursday. 

RITBA previously approved a toll schedule of $.75 for vehicles with transponders issued by RITBA, including out-of-state residents. 

The system will take several weeks to test, according to ABC6.com. Tolls are expected to be in place by this summer. 

The town of Portsmouth has filed a lawsuit against several defendents, including the RITBA and DOT executive director Michael Lewis. 

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