PROVIDENCE, R.I. — After more than a decade leading the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, Peter Alviti announced he is resigning, calling the role the pinnacle of his 60-year engineering career.
In an open letter (see below), Alviti reflected on his path from high school to becoming the longest-serving RIDOT director in state history. He also highlighted accomplishments during his tenure at the troubled agency.
Alviti addressed the Washington Bridge closure, calling it the most intense challenge of his 11 years as director. He emphasized that rebuilding is underway and noted that no lives were lost.
He said the decision to retire followed conversations with his wife and was timed ahead of the election season to avoid becoming a political pawn. Alviti stressed he was not fired nor was he asked to resign.
Alviti said he will respond “forcefully” to any public misrepresentation of the facts, thanked RIDOT staff, and said he is confident the department is stronger and well-positioned for the future.
Alviti’s open letter to Rhode Islanders:
I am retiring from my position as the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. It has been an honor for the past eleven years, to serve the state I was born in and the people who live in it. Serving as Director has been the pinnacle of my career as an engineer.
I worked 60 years to reach this point in my life—beginning with taking on three jobs to put myself through LaSalle, learning firsthand what it meant to get my hands dirty as a laborer on construction sites, while paying my way through college and two engineering degrees. All of that started me on a path that led me to this position and to becoming the longest-serving DOT Director in the State’s history.
I not only enjoyed the challenges the job brought every day, but I was happiest when seeing progress. Whether it was hearing people pleased to be driving on freshly paved roads, attending the opening of new train stations, riding up the bay on our new ferry system, leaving my home at midnight to watch a new bridge slide into place and open to traffic in the morning, or seeing the completion of major projects like the 6/10 Connector and the Viaduct and 352 other bridges throughout the state. Witnessing the success of the Ripple Effect Project, which resulted in a reduction in impaired driving accidents—and yes, even listening to callers on the radio asking about a pothole or traffic light and being able to solve the problem—reminded me that I was doing what I do best. I fix things.
The most intense occurrence during my eleven years was, of course, the events surrounding the closing of the Washington Bridge. But, I cut out the noise and did what I have done my entire career: put my nose to the grindstone to find immediate solutions for the people of this state to keep them safe. Opening a 3 lane eastbound bypass, putting measures in place to ensure the bridge. could safely handle the increased traffic load, securing the federal funds needed to fix it, and signing a contract with one of the top builders in the world to construct a new, state-of-the-art bridge—one that will exceed all of our lifetimes, on time and on budget—were the result of countless hours of anguished work. I understood the gravity of the situation. A contributing factor to my decision to retire at this time is knowing that rebuilding is securely underway and being thankful to God that no lives were lost. Every move and decision I made over the last eleven years had its detractors and critics. Those moments were balanced by the countless interactions with people who went out of their way to shake my hand in a store, market, or restaurant to say, “We’ve never seen this state make so much progress.” To those who shook my hand, called into the radio program, or sent a letter or email, please know how greatly it was appreciated.
This has led me to this moment. Over the holidays, my wife Kathy and I discussed my retirement from RIDOT. I accomplished what I set out to do when I accepted this position, and I know I am leaving the department in a far better place than when I found it. I also recognize that the state is entering what will be a difficult and acrimonious election season. I have worked too hard to build a reputation I am proud of to allow myself to become a political pawn. It is time to leave the department in the hands of my outstanding and capable staff—from my Cabinet, executive office, legal team, and communications staff, engineers, project managers, to the maintenance workers who do the hardest work of all and have never let me down.
Let me be absolutely clear so there is no misunderstanding about this decision. I am leaving on my own terms—plain and simple. I understand that people will create all kinds of speculative narratives and that, between now and August, politicians may try to use my decision to advance their own agendas. But the truth is straightforward: I have reached a point where I feel I have given all that I am willing to give. I am proud of what I have accomplished, and Kathy and I have decided together that this is the right time. To be clear, I was not fired, nor was I asked to resign. This decision has nothing to do with the Washington Bridge. As I’ve stated before, that project is on autopilot—I’ve put everything in place, and the contractor I selected will continue to build it as they have successfully done for the past 100 years. My retirement from DOT is a decision made solely by my wife and me. Rest assured, I will be paying close attention between now and August to everything that is said publicly about this. If anyone lies or misrepresents the facts for personal gain, they will hear from me—forcefully.
It’s been quite an adventure. I wish the staff at RIDOT continued success. I’m counting on you all to continue the good work we have done. I pray that God blesses the State of Rhode Island and its people and that He keeps them safe.
Most sincerely, Peter Alviti, Jr., PE Director Rhode Island Department of Transportation
ContributorFebruary 6, 20264 Mins read8 
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