Hearing on Bridge Toll Restraining Order To Be Held This Afternoon

The town of Portsmouth's request for a restraining order against further construction of tolls on the new Sakonnet River Bridge will be heard at a hearing this afternoon in U.S. District Court, but it might be too late. 

A U.S. District Court judge has scheduled a hearing on the order for this afternoon, reports The Associated Press. 

However, the request might be too late. The state Department of Transportation completed installating a toll gantry or open-road toll system on the new Sakonnet River Bridge last Friday, before the Memorial Day weekend. 

David Darlington, the chairman of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority stated that collection could, however, be restricted until the courts decide on the lawsuit levied by the town against the RITBA, DOT Director Michael P. Lewis and other toll stakeholders.

The system will take weeks to test, but tolls are expected to begin in early July. 

The restraining order request is part of a lawsuit filed by the town of Portsmouth in reaction to bridge tolls.

The hearing comes only a day after the Tiverton Town Council voted to join the lawsuit. Tiverton's unanimous decision follows the town of Bristol's vote last week to also join the legal complaint. 

The lawsuit accuses several defendants, including the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority and DOT Director Michael Lewis, of violating the Federal-Aid Highway Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.