Highway copper wire theft reported by RIDOT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — This morning on the Gene Valicenti show, RIDOT director Peter Alviti discussed how copper wires used to light the highways up are being dug up and stolen.

Insiders at RIDOT say around 100 thousand feet of wire, costing over $500 thousand in damages, has been stolen since 2022. These same sources informed us wires by the salt shed in Cranston were pulled from the ground causing the lights to go out on Route 37 last night.

RIDOT spokesperson, Charles St. Martin, said the number is closer to 11 miles, which is around 58,000 feet and has cost $470,000 in material alone.

In November and December 2025, copper wire was dug up at least 16 times. He said RIDOT became aware of the situation when drivers called and complained about lack of lighting on the roads.

Alviti said the department is installing expensive anti-theft systems and heavier manhole covers to prevent further occurrences.