Rhode Island truck toll debate heads to lawmakers

January 26, 2016 1:32 pm

By The Associated Press

news@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ Hauling goods through Rhode Island could become an expensive hassle for big-rig truckers if the state follows through with a plan to become the first to install truck-only tolls on its highways.

Just how expensive remains to be seen. Lawmakers still don’t know for sure as the fierce political debate stretches into its eighth month.

Lawmakers are waiting for Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo to unveil a revised plan to install up to 14 toll gantries to help pay for a $1.1 billion, 10-year plan to repair deteriorating bridges.

The General Assembly plans to take up the legislation in February after a political uproar forced it back to the drawing table last year.

Among the biggest unanswered questions is how much it will cost an 18-wheeler to cross the state.