Politics & Government
UPDATE: Tiverton Joins Bridge Toll Lawsuit
The Tiverton Town Council is considering joining Portsmouth in its lawsuit against the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority and DOT Director.

[Updated at 7:39 p.m.]Â
The Tiverton Town Council will join Portsmouth in a lawsuit against several defendants, including the state's Department of Transportation director and the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority.Â
The Tiverton Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to join the lawsuit, according to witnesses at the meeting.Â
Find out what's happening in Portsmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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.Â
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.Â
Find out what's happening in Portsmouthfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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.Â
Should the town of Tiverton join the lawsuit? Tell us in the comment section below.Â
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.