Truckers passing through Rhode Island, via Interstate 95, will be forced to pay a new truck-only toll in order to fund the state’s road and bridge repairs.
The “RhodeWorks” bill faced heavy opposition from the trucking industry, but passed a senate vote on Thusrday, before quickly being signed into law by Gov. Raimondo.
The state expects the toll to bring in $45 million a year in revenue. The funds will be used primarily to repair crumbling roads and bridges throughout the state.
Governor Gina Raimondo tweeted “It’s a good day for Rhode Island” after signing it into law.
It's a good day for Rhode Island. Thank you @RIHouseofReps and @RISenate for your partnership #RhodeWorks pic.twitter.com/AcB0lWEyNy
— Gina Raimondo (@GinaRaimondo) February 11, 2016
The state says they’ll start charging truckers the $40 toll sometime in 2017.
The bill also adds truck-only tolls on Interstates 195, 295, and 146, as well as Routes 6 and 10.