About RIDOT

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is responsible for a diverse transportation system of more than 1,100 miles of roads and approximately 800 bridges that provides a variety of convenient, cost-effective mobility opportunities for people and the movement of goods to support economic development and improved quality of life.

This safe, efficient, environmentally, aesthetically and culturally sensitive intermodal transportation network is managed and maintained by a dedicated staff of 780 professionals. The Department is continually striving to improve its operations. This effort encompasses a wide range of efforts that increase efficiencies, ensure high quality on completed projects, save money and improve motorist safety.

RIDOT is proud of its many accomplishments that not only maintain the current system of roads and bridges, but to enhance its transportation system. In just the past few years, the Department has taken the lead on nearly $1 billion in investment in new infrastructure including:

• Relocation of a major highway interchange in the capital city of Providence through the Iway project.
• Extension of commuter rail service to the InterLink, an intermodal facility connecting planes, trains, buses and rental cars at T.F. Green State Airport, and soon to Wickford Junction Station.
• Construction of a 22-mile freight corridor and a new four-mile limited access highway to the Quonset Business Park – the state’s largest and rapidly growing port and industrial park.
• Reconstruction of major bridges including the Washington Bridge in Providence, and the Sakonnet River Bridge in Portsmouth and Tiverton.
• A sustained annual capital program of approximately $230 million to rehabilitate and improve roads, bridges, sidewalks, traffic signals, and bike paths.

RIDOT Mission Statement

The mission of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation is to maintain and provide a safe, efficient, environmentally, aesthetically and culturally sensitive intermodal transportation network that offers a variety of convenient, cost-effective mobility opportunities for people and the movement of goods supporting economic development and improved quality of life.

RIDOT's Goals

RIDOT seeks to implement its mission through policy and action,
with particular emphasis on the following goals:

• Promote mobility for people and goods through a balanced, multi-modal transportation system.
• Direct investment and development to existing communities, urban concentrations, and designated economic growth areas.
• Develop methods for assessing the fiscal impact and cost-benefit analysis of development for use by both state and local governments when considering infrastructure investments and land-use policies.
• Encourage redevelopment and improve livability of existing communities and urban areas; and guide new employment to under-used commercial and industrial sites.
• Obtain sufficient state funding within a dedicated Transportation Trust Fund.
• Attain and then maintain an appropriate level of system preservation or service to our customers.
• Look for and participate in opportunities for public/private cost sharing projects.
• Deliver operating systems, services, programs, and projects in the most cost-effective manner possible.
• Make public participation and a customer service focus, integral parts of the development of RIDOT programs, projects, and services.
• Make media awareness and public participation a focus that is integrated with RIDOT's programs, projects and services via the Communications, Community Affairs, and the Transportation Management Center.
• Provide employees with opportunities to enhance their level of preparedness and performance so they can do the best job possible in the duties they are assigned.