Toll System To Be Installed on Sakonnet River Bridge By Weekend

An open-road toll system will be installed on the new Sakonnet River Bridge by this Memorial Day weekend, reports ABC6.com. 

Despite pending legislation against the bridge's transfer, a lawsuit filed by the town of Portsmouth and widespread local opposition to tolls, the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority plans to install an open-road toll system before the holiday weekend, according to ABC6.com. 

The cost to install open-road tolling totals as much as $2 million, the RITBA chairman previously stated to Patch. 

The cost for the arbor, or arch over the bridge, costs about $400,000 alone. Costs are added for the transmitters, cameras and other electronics in the arbor. 

RITBA previously approved a toll schedule of $.75 for vehicles with transponders issued by RITBA, including out-of-state residents. 

The system will take several weeks to test, according to ABC6.com. Tolls are expected to be in place by this summer. 

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