Gov. Lincoln Chafee speaks at opening of new Sakonnet River Bridge.

There were two groups gathered out in the middle of the old Sakonnet River Bridge this afternoon to mark the opening of its replacement: Rhode Island political figures and RI Dept. of Transportation (RIDOT) leadership were on hand to celebrate the completion of the new bridge, and about 40 citizens, carrying "No Tolls" signs were there to express their continued opposition.

Calling it a "Vital entry to the East Bay," RIDOT Director Michael Lewis said the new bridge, completed in just three years, was "built to withstand the test of time with a number of innovative technologies, and designed for longevity." He noted that this was "the largest single construction contract in RIDOT history," and had been executed with an "unprecedented" change order rate under 1%. The project, Lewis said, was an indicator of "the RIDOT of today."

Governor Lincoln Chafee thanked the contractor, Cardi, for bringing the bridge in "on time, on budget, and with a good safety record." He also took a moment to praise RIDOT's new financing model for project work, which has phased out borrowing. "In November, for the first time in memory, we won't be voting on a bond issue," he said.

Senator Jack Reed also praised Cardi as "a strong Rhode Island company for generations," and said that he had been proud to be part of the effort by Rhode Island's congressional delegation to secure over $20 million in Federal funding for the project. In addition to the long-term benefits of efficiency and productivity in transportation, Reed also noted the immediate impact on the local economy. "We have provided 350 jobs at a time when employment is a critical issue for this state."

The event was held under a small tent mid-span on the decrepit old bridge, with two dozen folding chairs ringed by press and protestors. Lewis urged caution for those standing back near the railing, "There's a reason we're taking this bridge down."

On hand for the twenty-minute ceremony were a representative from Sen. Whitehouse's office, state Reps. Jay Edwards (D-70), Ray Gallison (D-69), and Dan Reilly (R-72), as well as unopposed district 71 candidate Dennis Canario.

Every official went out of their way to acknowledge the visible presence of those opposed to tolls on the new span. Sen. Jack Reed praised the "concerned citizens of Portsmouth and Tiverton" and stressed the importance of "citizens who will engage." Gov. Chafee said that he looking forward to continuing to get input from residents on approaches to paying for maintenance, and promised "formal hearings." Director Lewis welcomed the protestors — specifically naming Portsmouth Concerned Citizens President and STOP organizer Larry Fitzmorris — and said, "One of the great things about this country is that we can have an open dialogue."

Jeanne Smith, one of the lead anti-toll organizers, said that she was pleased by the "good turnout" and was looking forward to bringing everyone together to continue the fight. "This is a state-wide issue," she said.

Rep. Ray Gallison told harddeadlines that one strategy he's considering is a general assembly resolution expressing opposition to the tolls. "The installation of tolls still has to be approved by the Federal Highway Administration," Gallison said, adding that a resolution from the legislature could help convince the FHA that "DOT is not really speaking at a state-wide level."

But despite the protest signs, it was still a day to celebrate a truly beautiful addition to the East Bay.

RIDOT Chief Engineer Kazem Farhoumand told harddeadlines that it felt great to see the project — which he said he'd originally begun working on in 1994 as a repair effort — finally completed. He described some of the features of the new span designed to enhance its lifespan, including the use of stainless steel and galvanized rebar and high-performance concrete. One thing that you might not notice, he said, was that they had coated the bridge railings with molten zinc before painting. "That adds 25 years to the life," he said.

And for those worried about when the old bridge will be removed, Farhoumand offered a note of reassurance: RIDOT is already working on plans for 2014. "This is not going to be a a Jamestown," said Fahroumand. "We're already at 30% design for taking this bridge down."

Director Lewis expressed to harddeadlines his sense that with this project, RIDOT had demonstrated their new focus. He acknowledged that some had criticized the department in the past for a perception of not getting things done in a timely fashion, but he pointed to the new Sakonnet, the Route 95 Pawtucket River Bridge and the Frenchtown Brook Bridge in East Greenwich which was completed in 32 days as evidence of RIDOT's progress.

"These are successes," said Lewis. "This is the model that we want to be held against."

More pictures up on Flickr. (Also, flash back to the groundbreaking story and pictures.)

Full disclosure: Have to admit that I've been one of those folks who have been critical of RIDOT over the past few years, mostly out of frustration over flooding on Park Avenue and the decay of the Escape Bridge. And, yeah, I have been pretty harsh in my criticism. But when I talked with Director Lewis today, he was very open. He said that it was important for the press to do their job to surface issues, and he was very gracious. Add that to a beautiful new Sakonnet Bridge, and I feel much better about RIDOT. Job well done, folks.