The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) will hold public hearings in October to discuss its Mount Hope Bridge toll feasibility report.
“During the process of studying the toll structure for the Newport Pell Bridge, at the public’s request, RITBA committed to study the feasibility of reinstituting tolls on the Mount Hope Bridge,” said David Darlington, chairman of the RITBA board. “We have pledged to hold public meetings before making any decisions.”
Five potential tolling options are outlined in the report. Each of the scenarios developed by the consultant includes reduced rates available for those who qualify for and own R.I. E-ZPass transponders (RIEZP).
The feasibility study estimated costs for toll plaza construction and a toll collection system as well as future operating expenses. The approximate capital costs for constructing a new toll plaza with two E-ZPass-only lanes and two cash/E-ZPass lanes would be $3.2 million. Jacobs also estimated the cost of an all-electronic tolling system, where non-E-ZPass drivers will be mailed an invoice after video surveillance captures their license plate numbers. That cost is projected to be $2.3 million.
The meetings will be held at 7 p.m. on:
• Wednesday, Oct. 5, at Jacky’s Galaxie, 383 Metacom Avenue in Bristol
• Thursday, Oct. 6m at Portsmouth High School.
A copy of the study can be downloaded from RIBTA’s website: http://www.ritba.org/
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