Another Town Considers Joining Bridge Toll Lawsuit

The Tiverton Town Council is considering joining Portsmouth in a lawsuit against several defendants, including the state's Department of Transportation director and the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, reports The Associated Press. 

A discussion about the lawsuit is listed on the agenda for tonight's meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Tiverton Town Hall. The town of Tiverton will consider joining Portsmouth in the lawsuit. 

The Portsmouth Town Council recently filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in an effort to stop bridge tolls on the new Sakonnet River Bridge. 

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

Meanwhile, the DOT installed a toll gantry or electronic toll system over the new Sakonnet River Bridge before the Memorial Day weekend. The system will take several weeks to test, but bridge tolls are expected to begin this July. 

Should the town of Tiverton join the lawsuit? Tell us in the comment section below.