Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority

The Board discussed public concerns regarding the Mount Hope Bridge inspection reports, confirming adherence to federal legal processes for sensitive information. Financial actions included the selection of underwriters for refunding outstanding Motor Fuel Tax Revenue Bonds and the approval of various task orders for strategic planning, backup power systems, and bridge deck rehabilitation projects. The Board also reviewed a study on customer service operations, discussed ongoing capital project statuses including work on the Newport Pell and Mount Hope bridges, and received a financial summary reporting solid performance for the first six months of the fiscal year. Additional updates included audit results, community project funding opportunities, and preparations for hosting upcoming E-ZPass Group meetings.

The agenda includes discussions and potential votes on the Motor Fuel Tax Refunding of Revenue Bonds, pavement crack sealing and striping, and routine inspections for North Main Road bridges and wildlife arches. Additionally, the Board will consider a pilot agreement for a vessel collision warning system and a construction contract for the Newport Pell Bridge Pier 10E bearings replacement. Reports will be provided by the Director of Engineering, Chief Financial Officer, and Executive Director. An executive session is scheduled to discuss personnel performance, active litigation regarding the Town of Bristol, potential nonpublic litigation concerning the Mt Hope Bridge resurfacing, and potential real property leasing. A post-executive session action item involves the annual performance review and employment agreement for the Executive Director.

The Board meeting addressed public concerns regarding the transparency and release of bridge inspection reports, specifically concerning sensitive security information designations. The Board reiterated its legal stance on maintaining confidentiality pending TSA review. Financial agenda items included the selection of senior and co-managers for the refunding of Series 2016A motor fuel tax revenue bonds, with an estimated $8 million in savings. Additionally, the Board approved an update to the organization's strategic plan and authorized a contract with Michael Baker International for these services, while also briefly discussing backup power requirements for toll equipment buildings.

The Board of Directors addressed several key operational and financial items. Purchasing decisions included approving a purchase order for two new Portable Changeable Message Signs and task orders with Michael Baker International (MBI) for Capital Improvement Plan development services and federal grant support services related to the Mount Hope Bridge rehabilitation/replacement project planning grant application. A task order was approved for GM2 to perform routine inspection of the Fishing Pier Access Road Bridge. A significant discussion involved a proposed no-cost, 3-month pilot program with Roebling Labs LLC for a vessel collision warning system on the Newport Pell Bridge, noted in light of recent National Transportation Safety Board hearings concerning vessel strikes. Capital Projects Status Reports detailed progress on the Mt. Hope Bridge cable work, INFRA Projects for the Newport Pell Bridge, design work across several other structures, and the scheduling of an interim inspection for the Mount Hope Bridge. The Board received an update from the Attorney General's Office regarding the release of the Mount Hope Bridge inspection report, confirming that disclosure is currently prohibited pending federal review. The Financial Summary Report indicated strong performance for the first five months of fiscal year 2026, showing higher traffic, total revenue, and net income compared to budget and prior year, driven by higher average toll revenue and investment income. The Executive Director reported on traffic increases and customer service initiatives, noting reduced phone wait times and ongoing efforts to combat smishing texts. During the public comment session, residents expressed concerns regarding the safety and functional obsolescence potential of the Mount Hope Bridge and requested transparency regarding inspection reports and the updating of the Authority's Strategic Plan.

The Board meeting included unanimous approvals for several financial actions: purchasing two new Portable Changeable Message Signs, approving a task order with Michael Baker International (MBI) for Capital Improvement Plan development services, approving another task order with MBI for federal grant support services related to the BUILD Grant Program for the Mount Hope Bridge project, and approving a task order with GM2 for the routine inspection of the Fishing Pier Access Road Bridge. A significant discussion involved a no-cost, 3-month pilot program offered by Roebling Labs LLC for a vessel collision warning system on the Newport Pell Bridge, following recent NTSB hearings on bridge strikes. The Director of Engineering provided a status report on multiple capital projects, including scaffolding installation beginning for the Mt. Hope Bridge cables and the Newport Pell Bridge INFRA project moving forward. The CFO reported solid financial performance for the first five months of fiscal year 2026, noting higher traffic and revenue compared to budget and prior year, and lower operating expenses compared to budget. The Executive Director reported on traffic increases and customer service initiatives, including reduced phone wait times and efforts against smishing texts. Public comment focused on concerns regarding the safety and transparency of information related to the Mount Hope Bridge, including requests for the release of inspection reports and an updated Strategic Plan.