RIDOT failing to pursue all property damage claims, taxpayers left covering costs

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has sharply reduced its efforts to recover money for damage to state property in recent years, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill.

Historically, the agency has billed drivers or their insurance companies when vehicles damage state infrastructure such as guardrails, highway signs, traffic signals, and other roadway equipment.

However, the department has sharply scaled back those recovery efforts since 2024, when the section responsible for handling claims was dismantled and the work was reassigned to a single attorney and a few interns.

The state’s Human Resources website indicates that anyone working on claims would hold the title “Property Management Restitution Program Officer (DOT).” However, no one at RIDOT holds that position, nor has since 2024.

Damage to state infrastructure can cost thousands

When vehicles strike state infrastructure, the repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on the damage. Guardrails, lighting systems, overhead signs, and signal equipment are among the most common items damaged in crashes.

In most cases, transportation agencies recover repair costs by pursuing payment from the driver’s insurance provider or, when applicable, the driver themselves.

Reduced recovery could shift costs to taxpayers

When transportation agencies do not pursue reimbursement, the cost of repairs must be absorbed by the department’s budget.

That means taxpayers may ultimately pay for damage caused by individual drivers.

The issue has drawn attention as Rhode Island continues to face high transportation costs and significant spending on road and infrastructure projects.

Questions raised about oversight and policy

The reduction in recovery efforts has raised concerns among some observers about oversight and internal policy decisions within the department.

Transportation departments in many states maintain dedicated programs to pursue reimbursement for damage to public infrastructure.