Rhode Island Truck Tolls Complete Guide: RhodeWorks Program Status & Legal Updates 2025
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Rhode Island Truck Tolls Complete Guide
Program Name: RhodeWorks Bridge Tolling Program
Current Status: Suspended (since September 2022)
Expected Resumption: First half of 2026
Target Vehicles: Class 8+ trucks (80,000+ lbs gross weight)
Coverage: 12 gantry locations on I-95, I-195, I-295, US-6, Route 146
Legal Status: Constitutionally approved without daily caps
Operator: Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT)
Current Status: Suspended Until 2026
Rhode Island's truck-only tolling program has been suspended since September 2022 following a federal court ruling. However, the state is preparing to resume tolling in 2026 after a successful federal appeals court decision in December 2024.
Key Development: Rhode Island's 2025-2026 budget includes $10 million in projected truck toll revenue, indicating tolls will likely resume in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026 (April-June 2026).
Legal Timeline Summary
| Date | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | RhodeWorks legislation signed | Truck-only tolls authorized with daily caps |
| June 2018 | First toll gantries activated | I-95 Hopkinton and Exeter begin collecting tolls |
| September 2022 | Federal judge rules program unconstitutional | All truck tolls suspended immediately |
| December 2024 | Appeals court partially reverses ruling | Tolls can resume without daily caps |
| Expected 2026 | Toll resumption planned | $40 million annual revenue projected |
RhodeWorks Program Overview
The RhodeWorks Bridge Tolling Program was designed as Rhode Island's solution to funding critical bridge repairs and maintenance. The program specifically targets large commercial trucks, as studies showed they cause 70-80% of bridge infrastructure damage while representing only 3% of total traffic.
Program Rationale
- Infrastructure Crisis: Rhode Island had worst-in-nation bridge conditions in 2016
- Damage Assessment: Heavy trucks cause 70-80% of bridge wear and tear
- Traffic Analysis: Class 8+ trucks represent only 3% of total traffic
- Funding Gap: Traditional financing insufficient for $4.7 billion infrastructure needs
- User-Pay Principle: Those causing most damage should pay for repairs
Vehicle Coverage
| Vehicle Class | Weight Range | Toll Status | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classes 1-7 | Under 26,000 lbs | Exempt (toll-free) | Cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, delivery vans |
| Class 8 | 26,001-80,000 lbs | Subject to tolls | Tractor-trailers, large trucks |
| Classes 9-13 | 80,000+ lbs | Subject to tolls | Heavy tractor-trailers, oversize loads |
Toll Locations & Gantries
The RhodeWorks program includes 12 operational toll gantries strategically placed on major interstate highways and state routes throughout Rhode Island. All gantries use electronic toll collection technology.
Interstate 95 Locations
- Location 1: I-95 Hopkinton (first operational gantry, June 2018)
- Location 2: I-95 Exeter (first operational gantry, June 2018)
- Location 4: I-95 Oxford Street Bridge, Providence
- Location 5: I-95 Thurbers Avenue, Providence
- Location 6: I-95 Viaduct (construction planned)
Interstate 195 & 295 Locations
- Location 3: I-195 Washington Bridge (constructed but inactive during suspension)
- Additional I-195 locations: Various bridge crossings
- I-295 locations: Bridge and interchange points
State Routes
- US Route 6: Strategic bridge locations
- Route 146: Major corridor connections
- Route 116: Bridge group locations
Technology & Collection
- Electronic Collection: Overhead gantries with cameras and sensors
- Vehicle Classification: Automatic weight and size detection
- License Plate Recognition: Automatic photography for billing
- Real-Time Processing: Immediate toll calculation and billing
Historical Toll Rates & Revenue
During the four years of operation (2018-2022), the RhodeWorks program collected approximately $100 million in total revenue, falling short of the projected $45 million annually but still providing significant infrastructure funding.
Historical Toll Rates (2018-2022)
| Gantry Location | Toll Rate | Daily Cap (Historical) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Locations | $3.00 average | $40 maximum per day |
| I-95 Hopkinton & Exeter | $3.25 | Through-trip limit: $20 |
| I-95 Oxford Street (Later) | $4.50 | Once per direction per day |
| Other Locations | $3.50 | Subject to daily caps |
Revenue Performance (2018-2022)
- Total Revenue: Approximately $100 million over 4 years
- Peak Annual Revenue: $39.8 million (2021-2022 fiscal year)
- Total Transactions: 10.3 million tolls in final year of operation
- Monthly Growth: From $561,000 (late 2018) to $2.8 million (2020)
- Revenue Shortfall: Below projected $45 million annually
Legal Challenges & Court Decisions
The RhodeWorks program faced extensive legal challenges that resulted in a complex court battle spanning over six years, ultimately leading to significant modifications in how the tolls can be implemented.
Federal District Court Ruling (2022)
Judge William E. Smith's Decision: The court found RhodeWorks unconstitutional under the Commerce Clause, citing two main problems:
- Fair Approximation Failure: Tolls funded repairs to non-tolled bridges, not just bridges where tolls were collected
- Interstate Discrimination: Daily caps disproportionately benefited Rhode Island trucks over out-of-state trucks
- Statistical Evidence: 80% of tolled vehicles were from out of state, paying 100% of tolls
- Cap Benefits: Rhode Island trucks received 39.9% of cap benefits while representing only 18.6% of transactions
Federal Appeals Court Ruling (December 2024)
First Circuit Court of Appeals Decision: The three-judge panel partially reversed the district court, finding:
| Issue | Court Finding | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Truck-Only Tolling | Constitutional | Program can continue targeting only large trucks |
| Daily Toll Caps | Unconstitutional | Must be removed before resumption |
| Severability | Caps can be removed | Rest of program remains valid |
| Revenue Clawback | Not required | State keeps $100 million collected |
Key Legal Precedent
- First of Its Kind: Only truck-only tolling system in the United States
- Commerce Clause Test: Established precedent for evaluating discriminatory toll caps
- Interstate Impact: Decision affects potential truck-only toll programs in other states
- International Context: European countries use similar truck-only systems successfully
Expected 2026 Resumption
Rhode Island is actively planning to resume truck tolls in 2026, with significant changes to comply with the federal appeals court ruling. The state's budget planning and legislative discussions indicate implementation in the first half of 2026.
Resumption Timeline & Revenue Projections
| Timeframe | Revenue Projection | Status |
|---|---|---|
| FY 2026 (Apr-Jun 2026) | $10 million (partial year) | Included in approved budget |
| First Full Year (FY 2027) | $40 million annually | State projection |
| Long-term Target | $45 million annually | Original RhodeWorks goal |
Key Changes for 2026 Implementation
- No Daily Caps: $40 daily maximum and $20 through-trip limits eliminated
- Unlimited Tolling: Trucks pay full toll at each gantry passed
- Equal Treatment: In-state and out-of-state trucks pay identical rates
- Rate Flexibility: RIDOT can adjust rates without cap constraints
- Revenue Optimization: Higher potential revenue without artificial limits
Legislative & Industry Response
State Government Position:
- Governor Dan McKee supports resumption for infrastructure funding
- House Speaker Joe Shekarchi backs tolls for needed revenue
- Budget includes $10 million truck toll revenue for FY 2026
- No expansion to passenger vehicles planned
Trucking Industry Opposition:
- Rhode Island Trucking Association opposes uncapped tolls
- Warns 94% of tolls will come from local businesses
- Predicts increased costs for Rhode Island consumers
- House Republican Caucus plans repeal legislation
Infrastructure Impact & Results
Despite the legal challenges, the RhodeWorks program has achieved significant improvements in Rhode Island's bridge conditions, demonstrating the effectiveness of dedicated infrastructure funding.
Bridge Condition Improvements
| Metric | 2016 (Pre-RhodeWorks) | 2025 (Current) | 2026 Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structurally Sufficient Bridges | 74.4% | 82.7% | 90% |
| Bridges in Poor Condition | 247 bridges | 189 bridges | Under 100 bridges |
| National Ranking | 50th (worst) | Improving | Top 25 |
RhodeWorks Achievements
- Projects Completed: Over 100 road and bridge projects since 2016
- Current Work: Another 100 projects underway
- Major Projects: 6/10 Connector reconstruction, bridge replacements
- Total Investment: $4.7 billion infrastructure program
- Federal Funding: Leveraged additional federal grants and matching funds
Frequently Asked Questions
Are truck tolls currently active in Rhode Island?
No, all truck tolls have been suspended since September 2022 following a federal court ruling. The state plans to resume tolling in the first half of 2026.
Which vehicles will be subject to tolls when they resume?
Class 8 trucks and larger (26,001+ lbs gross weight) will be subject to tolls. This includes tractor-trailers and large commercial trucks. Passenger cars, pickup trucks, and smaller commercial vehicles remain exempt.
How will the 2026 tolls differ from the original program?
The major change is elimination of daily toll caps. Previously, trucks paid maximum $40/day or $20 for through-trips. Starting in 2026, trucks will pay the full toll at each gantry passed without any daily limits.
Can I avoid truck tolls by using alternate routes?
Limited options exist due to Rhode Island's geography and gantry placement on major highways (I-95, I-195, I-295, US-6, Route 146). Alternate routes typically add significant time and distance.
Will passenger cars ever be tolled in Rhode Island?
No, Rhode Island law specifically prohibits tolling passenger vehicles. State leaders have repeatedly confirmed that passenger car tolls will not be implemented regardless of the truck toll program's outcome.
How much revenue will the resumed tolls generate?
The state projects $40 million annually once fully operational, potentially reaching the original goal of $45 million. Without daily caps, revenue could exceed historical collections.
Related Transportation Information
Rhode Island Toll Information:
- Rhode Island Toll Bridges - Complete state toll system overview
- Newport Pell Bridge - The state's only active toll facility
- Rhode Island E-ZPass - Electronic toll payment system
Regional Truck Toll Information:
- New York Truck Tolls - Neighboring state truck toll systems
- Connecticut Truck Tolls - Regional truck toll considerations
- Massachusetts Truck Tolls - Regional commercial vehicle requirements
Contact Information
Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT):
- General Information: (401) 222-2023
- Truck Toll Inquiries: Dot.BridgeRepairTolls@dot.ri.gov
- Director: Peter Alviti
- Address: 2 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02903
Legal & Policy Information:
- Rhode Island Attorney General: Peter Neronha
- Governor's Office: Governor Dan McKee
- House Speaker: Joe Shekarchi
For truck toll cost calculations and route planning, use TollGuru's truck toll calculator:
