Wakefield DMV temporarily closed

By: Chloe Leshner

cleshner@abc6.com

@CleshnerABC6

WAKEFIELD R.I. — Expect longer wait times at the DMV as the Wakefield office shut down today. The closure is temporary and part of a push to get staff trained on the DMV’s new computer system that will launch in July.

People say they’re already frustrated with longer than usual wait times at the other branches on the first day of the Wakefield branch closure. But DMV officials say they are working to ease those problems and ensure the new computer system launches without a hitch.

The closure not helping the chaotic scene in Cranston with heavy foot traffic in and out and lines winding throughout the building.

"When I got up to the counter the lady told me it would be a 2 hour wait after I just stood in line for 2 hours, now it’s going to be another 2 hour wait until I can renew my ID," says Providence resident Jamal Lee.

Wait times too long for some, frustrated they’ll have to come back.

"It’s another trip that we’re going to have to do and it looks like its going to be a day trip," says Barrington resident Adriane Thompson.

State officials say they’re asking for patience and that they’ve taken steps to lessen some of the overcrowding.

"We’ve partnered with AAA, they’re accepting non members. We encourage people to go online and check out  what services they can do online, check out what they can do with AAA and if there’s an office near them, they should go there," says Paul Grimaldi, Public Information Officer for the Rhode Island Department of Revenue.

The extra difficulties now are designed to help avoid problems like those during software launches at other state agencies.

"We’re training our partners at the dealerships, the courts, the state police. Everyone will go through the program between 1 and 6 days depending on the level of interaction they need with the system," says Grimaldi.

Once the new program is in place, officials say a reservation system will help limit the amount of time people have to spend at the DMV.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2017