Lawmakers propose audit of RIDOT after Washington Bridge debacle

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Two Rhode Island lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require an independent audit of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation following ongoing concerns about infrastructure oversight and agency spending.

The proposal was introduced by Rep. Jennifer A. Stewart (D-Pawtucket) and Sen. Samuel D. Zurier (D-Providence).

The legislation, filed as 2026-H 7499 and 2026-S 2124, would require the Rhode Island Department of Administration to commission an efficiency and performance audit of RIDOT.

Scrutiny Follows Washington Bridge Issues

The agency has faced increased scrutiny after a forensic review suggested transportation officials may have missed warning signs involving the Washington Bridge before the structure was forced to close.

Lawmakers say questions about communication and oversight within the department have prompted calls for an independent review.

Stewart said the proposal is intended to bring greater transparency to the agency’s operations and determine whether the department is functioning efficiently.

She also noted that a comprehensive audit could identify ways to redirect funding to areas such as road maintenance or support for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority.

Recent service reductions at RIPTA and hazardous road conditions following winter storms have added urgency to the discussion about transportation funding and infrastructure management.

Independent Review Would Examine Operations and Spending

Under the proposal, the audit would be conducted by an independent organization with expertise in transportation systems, infrastructure finance, and public sector performance analysis.

The final report would need to be submitted to the governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2027.

The review would also compare RIDOT’s performance with that of five to ten similar states to evaluate how the agency performs in terms of cost and other performance metrics.

The performance metrics would include:

• Road paving and maintenance
• Bridge conditions
• Snow and ice removal response
• Safety outcomes
• Workforce capacity
• Operational and maintenance efficiency

Oversight Hearing Raised Additional Questions

Zurier said the idea for the audit was also influenced by a joint House and Senate oversight hearing held on Nov. 13, 2025.

During that hearing, lawmakers raised questions about bridge inspection contractors connected to litigation involving the Washington Bridge.

Lawmakers say the audit would help determine whether RIDOT’s oversight practices and spending decisions are meeting appropriate standards.