Newport Pell Bridge launches toll collection pilot program

JAMESTOWN, R.I. (AP) — The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority is launching a four-week pilot program to test the feasibility of expanding its electronic toll collection on the Newport Pell Bridge.

The program is an extension of the overnight cashless toll system that is already in place.

Under the pilot program that starts Feb. 14, drivers heading eastbound toward Newport will not be able to pay tolls by cash or credit card, the agency said. Signs will direct motorists to keep moving and not to stop to ensure traffic safety.

Tolls will instead be collected by technology that reads E-ZPass transponders. If a vehicle does not have a transponder, a bill will be mailed to the address of the registered owner of the vehicle, the agency said.

The bridge currently has all-electronic tolling in both directions from 11 p.m. until 7 a.m.