reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-12. - Contracts — Advertising for bids.

§ 24-8-12. Contracts — Advertising for bids.
All road construction or improvements made by the director of transportation shall be, and all repairs may be, performed by written contract, made by the department of administration in behalf of the state, and after advertisement, by order of the department of administration has been published at least once in a newspaper of statewide circulation and at least five (5) calendar days before the final date of submitting bids, inviting sealed proposals for the road construction or improvement, to be made under the supervision and subject to the approval of the department of administration, and in accordance with the plans and specifications of the department of transportation; and the advertisement shall state the time and place the plans and specifications may be examined, and when the proposals made in answer to the advertisement will be opened, and shall reserve the right of the department of administration to reject any and all proposals.
History of Section.
P.L. 1902, ch. 982, § 5; G.L. 1909, ch. 84, § 5; P.L. 1913, ch. 925, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 5; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 5; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 100; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2727, art. 1, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-12; P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-13. - Contractors’ bond — Forfeiture.

§ 24-8-13. Contractors’ bond — Forfeiture.
The person whose proposal or bid is accepted by the department of administration, shall be required to give bond, in a sum not less than fifty percent (50%) of the contract price, to indemnify the town or city where the road lies against damage while the road is being constructed or improved, and the state shall not be liable for any damage occasioned thereby; and every contract made for the construction or improvement shall provide for a forfeiture of such sum or sums as the department may deem proper, for failure to complete, according to contract, the road construction or improvement within the specified time.
History of Section.
P.L. 1902, ch. 982, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 84, § 6; P.L. 1920, ch. 1877, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 6; impl. am. P.L. 1951, ch. 2727, art. 1, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-13.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-14. - Repealed.

§ 24-8-14. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1902, ch. 982, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 84, § 6; P.L. 1920, ch. 1877, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-14; Repealed by P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 5, effective July 1, 1988.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-15. - Snow and ice removal — Notice of defects.

§ 24-8-15. Snow and ice removal — Notice of defects.
(a)
Every town or city shall at its own expense keep state roads within its limits, respectively, sufficiently clear of snow and ice so the roads shall be reasonably safe for travel as now required by law, and shall at once notify in writing the director of transportation or his or her employees of any defect or want of repair of state roads within its limits.
(b)(1)
All storage piles or areas where road de-icing agents are stored within the Scituate watershed shall be adequately covered and stored on an impervious base to mitigate runoff impacts to ground and surface waters. The director of the department of transportation shall ensure where funds allow, that all drivers, loaders and handlers of de-icing agents within any watershed participate in training sessions in the proper application and control of road de-icing agents; that de-icing vehicles, wherever feasible, operating within the Scituate watershed area equipped with sensor devices to control the spread rate of de-icing materials in relation to the speed of the vehicle.
(2)
For purposes of this section the “Scituate watershed” shall mean the total drainage area into the Scituate Reservoir — an area of some 92.8 square miles in the towns of Scituate, Johnston, Foster, Glocester, and Smithfield — which because of its topography, soil type, and drainage patterns acts as a collector of rain waters which replenish or regorge existing public drinking water supplies in the Scituate Reservoir.
History of Section.
P.L. 1902, ch. 982, § 6; G.L. 1909, ch. 84, § 6; P.L. 1920, ch. 1877, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 6; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 6; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-15; P.L. 1990, ch. 472, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 59; P.L. 2005, ch. 195, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-16. - Repealed.

§ 24-8-16. Repealed.
History of Section.
P.L. 1920, ch. 1904, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 9; P.L. 1928, ch. 1169, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 9; P.L. 1947, ch. 1960, § 1; P.L. 1953, ch. 3320, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-16; P.L. 1958, ch. 102, § 1; P.L. 1959, ch. 28, § 1; P.L. 1960, ch. 190, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 6; Repealed by P.L. 1991, ch. 44, art. 12, § 1, effective July 1, 1991.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-17. - Determination and payment of appropriations to the state, cities, and towns.

§ 24-8-17. Determination and payment of appropriations to the state, cities, and towns.
The amounts which the state, cities, and towns shall receive from the appropriations provided for in this chapter, shall annually be determined by the state controller upon filing by the director of transportation of a report setting forth the number of miles of roads within the state and within each city and town which are functionally classified as: principal arterials, minor arterials, major collectors, minor collectors, and urban collectors, and within each city and town of the total number of motor vehicle registrations. The state controller is hereby authorized and directed, upon receipt by him or her of the report as provided in this section, to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer in favor of the respective state budget officer for the payment of such sums, as may from time to time be required, or become due to the respective state, city, or town under the provisions of this chapter. Nothing in this section shall affect the federal aid transportation program.
History of Section.
P.L. 1920, ch. 1904, § 4; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 12; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 11; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 65; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-17; P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 6; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 59.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-18. - Use of sums appropriated — Annual report.

§ 24-8-18. Use of sums appropriated — Annual report.
The sums paid to the state, cities, or towns under the provisions of this chapter shall be used exclusively within the state, and within the cities and towns for those roads listed under § 24-8-17. The sums shall only be spent for maintenance and repair. Except up to twenty-five percent (25%) of each city or town’s allotment is eligible for expenditure on any highway pavement management need. Each and every year after the initial year of this program, in order to obtain payment under this title, the state and each city or town must first receive approval for the expenditures by the director of transportation. The city or town treasurer, or state budget officer shall on or before May 30th of each year, certify in writing to the director of transportation how the sums have been expended.
History of Section.
P.L. 1920, ch. 1904, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 10; P.L. 1923, ch. 474, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 10; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 100; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-18; P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 6; P.L. 1989, ch. 542, § 69.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-19. - Designation and maintenance of detours.

§ 24-8-19. Designation and maintenance of detours.
(a)
Whenever it is necessary for the purpose of constructing, reconstructing, or repairing state roads to close such roads to the traveling public, the department of transportation shall provide suitable detours, and when roads other than state roads are designated by the department of transportation as detours, then the other roads shall be maintained in reasonably good condition by the department of transportation during their use as detours, and for the purpose of providing and maintaining the detours, may expend in the aggregate from appropriations available for the construction, reconstruction or repair, a sum not exceeding thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) annually and the state controller is hereby directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of so much thereof as may be from time to time required upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.
(b)
The designation and use as a detour of any road other than a state road, and the maintenance of another road so used shall in no way be construed as acceptance as a state road, and the other road shall not come under the supervision of the department of transportation except for use as a detour as provided in this section.
History of Section.
G.L. 1909, ch. 84, § 10; P.L. 1919, ch. 1777, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 8; P.L. 1928, ch. 1147, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 8; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, §§ 65, 100; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-19.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-20. - Location of fuel pumps adjacent to highway.

§ 24-8-20. Location of fuel pumps adjacent to highway.
No owner or other persons shall hereafter locate a pump as defined in § 31-36-1, or a pump to be used to distribute lubricating oils or any attachments thereof within ten feet (10′) of the boundary line of a state road without first obtaining the permission of the department of transportation. The department shall determine applications for permission upon the basis of public safety and may impose upon permits granted reasonable conditions to insure public safety.
History of Section.
P.L. 1925, ch. 679, § 15; P.L. 1929, ch. 1405, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 30; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 100; redesignated § 31 by P.L. 1949, ch. 2340, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-20; P.L. 1988, ch. 633, § 6.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-21. - Jurisdiction of bridges on state highways.

§ 24-8-21. Jurisdiction of bridges on state highways.
All bridges lying in any highway or highways which have been constructed by or upon which work has been done by the state under the supervision of the state board of public roads shall hereafter come under the supervision of the director of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 846, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 13; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 12; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-21.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-22. - Examination and repair or construction of bridges.

§ 24-8-22. Examination and repair or construction of bridges.
The director of transportation shall make an examination of all state bridges, and shall determine which of the bridges shall be constructed, repaired or reconstructed, and contracts shall be placed in the manner prescribed by § 24-8-12 for the construction, reparation or reconstruction of the bridges; and the expense of the construction, reparation or reconstruction shall be paid by the state from funds available for this purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 846, § 2; P.L. 1919, ch. 1765, § 1; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 14; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 13; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 261; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-22.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-23. - Cost of construction or repair of bridges used by public utilities.

§ 24-8-23. Cost of construction or repair of bridges used by public utilities.
(a)
Upon the completion of the construction, reparation or reconstruction of any of the bridges, used by any public utility, the director of transportation shall file a full and detailed statement setting forth the amount expended in the construction, reparation or reconstruction of each bridge used by any public utility, with the public utility administrator, and a copy of the statement shall be filed in the treasurer’s office of the public utility. The public utility administrator, shall immediately set a time for hearing and shall, after notice of the hearing to the public utility and to the department of transportation, determine what amount, if any, of the expense of the construction, reparation or reconstruction of the bridge or bridges shall be paid by the public utility upon the basis and in the manner provided in § 39-2-6.
(b)
If any payment, determined to be due from any public utility shall not be paid to the state within one year from the date of the determination by the public utility administrator of the amount due from any public utility, the state shall be entitled to recover the amount due in an action of debt, together with interest from six (6) months from the date of the determination by the public utility administrator, at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum, and upon securing judgment against any public utility, execution shall issue against the property of the public utility.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 846, § 3; P.L. 1919, ch. 1765, § 2; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 15; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 14; impl. am. P.L. 1939, ch. 660, § 123; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-23.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-24. - Bridges incorporated into state system — Responsibility for maintenance.

§ 24-8-24. Bridges incorporated into state system — Responsibility for maintenance.
All bridges so repaired, constructed, or reconstructed pursuant to the provisions set forth in this chapter shall, upon the completion of the construction, reparation or reconstruction, be and become a part of the state highway system, and shall henceforth be repaired, maintained, and reconstructed by the state under the supervision of the director of transportation, except that where any of the bridges are used by any public utility, then the public utility shall pay in the manner provided by § 24-8-23 toward the maintenance, reparation, and reconstruction of the bridge.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 846, § 6; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 18; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 15; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-24; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 59.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-25. - Bringing new bridges into state system.

§ 24-8-25. Bringing new bridges into state system.
Any bridge lying in any highway or highways which have been constructed by or upon which work has been done by the state under the supervision of the director of transportation, which shall not be constructed, repaired, or reconstructed by the director of transportation before the making of the director’s next annual report, may be included in the director’s next or any subsequent annual report and recommended for construction, reparation, or reconstruction, and the general assembly may appropriate money for the construction, reparation, or reconstruction. And whenever hereafter the director of transportation shall recommend the relocating, regrading, or improving of any highway which shall include any bridge, the bridge shall come under the supervision of the director of transportation, and the legislature shall, upon appropriating money for the relocating, regrading, or improving of the highway, also make a specific appropriation for the construction, reparation, or reconstruction of the bridge according to the recommendations of the director of transportation, except that each public utility using any of the bridges shall repay to the state the portion of the cost of construction, reparation, or reconstruction of the bridges to be determined in such manner as is provided by § 24-8-23. The bridges when so constructed, repaired, or reconstructed shall thereupon become a part of the state highway system, and shall henceforth be maintained by the state, except those bridges which are used by any public utility which shall pay a part of the cost of maintenance of the bridges in the manner provided by § 24-8-23.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 846, § 7; P.L. 1919, ch. 1765, § 5; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 19; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 16; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-25.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-26. - Removal of snow and ice from bridges — Notice of defects.

§ 24-8-26. Removal of snow and ice from bridges — Notice of defects.
(a)
Every town or city in which any bridge is located, which shall be maintained by the state under the provisions of this chapter, shall at its own expense keep the bridge within its limits sufficiently clear of snow and ice so that the bridge shall be reasonably safe for traveling, and shall at once notify in writing the director of transportation or the director’s employees of any defect or want of repair in the bridge. The director of transportation shall upon the receipt of the information notify any public utility using the bridge of the defect or want of repair.
(b)
All storage piles or areas where road de-icing agents are stored within the Scituate watershed shall be adequately covered and stored on an impervious base to mitigate runoff impacts to ground and surface waters. The director of the department of transportation shall ensure where funds allow, that all drivers, loaders, and handlers of de-icing agents within any watershed participate in training sessions in the proper application and control of road de-icing agents; that de-icing vehicles, wherever feasible, operating within the Scituate watershed area equipped with sensor devices to control the spread rate of de-icing materials in relation to the speed of the vehicle.
(c)
For purposes of this section the “Scituate watershed” shall mean the total drainage area into the Scituate Reservoir — an area of some 92.8 square miles in the towns of Scituate, Johnston, Foster, Glocester, and Smithfield — which because of its topography, soil type, and drainage patterns acts as a collector of rain waters which replenish or regorge existing public drinking water supplies in the Scituate Reservoir.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 846, § 8; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 20; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 17; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-26; P.L. 1990, ch. 472, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 195, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 200, § 1; P.L. 2012, ch. 415, § 32.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-27. - “Bridge” defined — Responsibility for structures.

§ 24-8-27. “Bridge” defined — Responsibility for structures.
(a)
The word “bridge” as used in this chapter shall be a structure including supports erected over a depression or an obstruction, such as water, highway, or railway, and having a track or passageway for carrying traffic or other moving loads, and having an opening measured along the center of the roadway of eight feet (8′) or more between under copings of abutments, spring lines of arches, or the extreme ends of openings for multiple boxes; it also includes single or multiple pipes where the clear distance between openings of multiple pipes is less than half of the smaller contiguous opening.
(b)
The state will be responsible for the following related to bridges, as defined above:
(1)
Reporting of inspection and load rating findings for National Bridge Inventory (NBI) bridges on all roadways;
(2)
Construction and maintenance costs of:
(i)
Bridges on state-owned roads;
(ii)
Structures less than eight feet (8′) on state roads; and
(ii)
Other state-owned structures unless otherwise agreed upon.
(c)
The state is not responsible for construction or maintenance costs for bridges or smaller structures it does not own.
(d)
Performing inspections or load ratings on any bridge or structures less than eight feet (8′) by the state for public safety does not constitute ownership or responsibility of the structure.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 846, § 9; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 21; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 18; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-27; P.L. 2023, ch. 79, art. 3, § 2, effective June 16, 2023.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-28. - Repealed.

§ 24-8-28. Repealed.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 24; P.L. 1926, ch. 786, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 21; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-28; Repealed by P.L. 2012, ch. 241, art. 20, § 2, effective June 15, 2012.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-29. - Succession of director to stone bridge commissioner.

§ 24-8-29. Succession of director to stone bridge commissioner.
Whenever the words “commissioner of the Rhode Island stone bridge” occur in any general law, public law, or resolution of the general assembly or are used in any document, record, instrument, or proceeding authorized by any such law or resolution relating to the commissioner of the Rhode Island stone bridge, the words shall be construed to mean the director of the department of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1926, ch. 786, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 22; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-29.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-30. - Red Bridge exempt.

§ 24-8-30. Red Bridge exempt.
Red Bridge, lying between Providence and East Providence, is excluded from the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1912, ch. 846, § 10; G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 22; P.L. 1926, ch. 786, § 3; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 19; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-30.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-31. - Federal aid rights preserved.

§ 24-8-31. Federal aid rights preserved.
The provisions of this chapter shall not be used or construed in any manner or in any way so as to prevent the state from receiving any kind or type of government or federal aid for the roads and bridges of the state from the United States government.
History of Section.
G.L. 1923, ch. 97, § 32; P.L. 1935, ch. 2269, § 2; G.L. 1938, ch. 74, § 29; redesignated § 30 by P.L. 1949, ch. 2340, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-8-31.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-32. - Drainage of surface water.

§ 24-8-32. Drainage of surface water.
Whenever any culvert, drain, or watercourse has been placed and maintained or has existed under or within a state highway for the purpose of disposing of surface water drainage, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to obstruct, block, or close any intake or outlet from the culvert, drain, or watercourse without first obtaining permission from the state department of transportation, which may grant the permits under the terms and conditions as are warranted.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 204, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-33. - Connection into drainage system.

§ 24-8-33. Connection into drainage system.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to make any connection into a state road drainage system, or to drain or pump water onto the travelled surface of a state highway without first obtaining written permission from the director of the state department of transportation. The director of the department of transportation is empowered to make and file rules and regulations which prescribe the conditions under which the permission shall be granted. The director shall render a decision within ninety (90) days of receipt of the request for permission. Any person, firm, or corporation convicted of violating this section shall be fined one hundred dollars ($100).
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 204, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 80, § 1; P.L. 1992, ch. 401, § 2; P.L. 1994, ch. 200, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-34. - Regulation of access.

§ 24-8-34. Regulation of access.
(a)
The legislature recognizes the need for the director of the department of transportation to establish and maintain the safe condition and integrity of state roads. Accordingly, the director is authorized to regulate direct vehicle access to state roads in situations whereby access may reasonably tend to affect the safe condition and integrity of state roads. This includes the authority to regulate the type, location, and width of roadways and driveways at their intersection with state highways and the authority to regulate construction within state highway right-of-ways.
(b)
Requests for access must be made in writing to the director, the local planning board and the chief elected or appointed official in a city or town at the same time and in a manner prescribed by the director. The director shall promulgate rules and regulations which prescribe the conditions under which requests will be granted. These rules and regulations shall apply prospectively and shall be based on accepted engineering and construction standards.
(c)
The director may provide written notice and comments on the proposed access or alterations to the planning board and the chief elected or appointed official of the city or town in which the state highway is located for all commercial and residential physical alteration permit applications filed with the department and shall afford the planning board and the chief elected or appointed official of the city or town with the ability to provide written comments on the request.
History of Section.
P.L. 1958, ch. 204, § 1; P.L. 1983, ch. 80, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 300, § 1; P.L. 1999, ch. 478, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-35. - Damage caused by potholes — Claims against the state.

§ 24-8-35. Damage caused by potholes — Claims against the state.
If any person shall incur damage to his or her motor vehicle by reason of a pothole on any state highway, causeway, or bridge which damage would not have occurred without the existence of the pothole, he or she may recover from the state the amount of damages sustained up to and not more than the sum of three hundred dollars ($300). All claims shall be made within a period of seven (7) days from the date on which the damage was sustained by filing a written report in a manner prescribed by the director of the department of transportation who shall in all instances make the final determination as to the merits of any claim so submitted. All claims approved by the director shall be paid in full within forty-five (45) days of the final approval. In no instance, however, shall any claim for damage so caused to a motor vehicle registered in a foreign state be considered unless that state has a similar statute affording similar protection to persons owning motor vehicles registered in this state.
History of Section.
P.L. 1979, ch. 16, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 70, art. 7, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-36. - Right to administrative appeal.

§ 24-8-36. Right to administrative appeal.
Any person, firm, or corporation aggrieved by a decision of the director pursuant to this chapter has the right to an appeal in accordance with the procedures contained within chapter 35 of title 42.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 80, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-37. - Penalties.

§ 24-8-37. Penalties.
Any person, firm, corporation, or municipality who violates any of the provisions of §§ 24-8-32 — 24-8-34 may be enjoined upon a complaint filed by the director in superior court.
History of Section.
P.L. 1983, ch. 80, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-38. - Bristol road striping.

§ 24-8-38. Bristol road striping.
The state shall on or before the twenty-seventh day of June of each year cause the center yellow lines in the town of Bristol to be painted red, white, and blue beginning on Hope Street at the intersection of Chestnut Street continuing south on Hope Street to the intersection of High Street and then continuing north on High Street to the intersection of State Street at which point the line shall end.
History of Section.
P.L. 1984, ch. 165, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-39. - Exit ramp control devices for divided highways.

§ 24-8-39. Exit ramp control devices for divided highways.
The department of transportation shall install bidirectional control devices on all new or upgraded ramps exiting from any divided highway within this state. These devices shall be placed at the end of each ramp and shall conform with § 2E-41 of the manual for uniform traffic control devices. The device shall have red and white raised pavement markers that show red to drivers travelling the wrong way and white to drivers travelling the right way.
History of Section.
P.L. 1986, ch. 54 § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-40. - Woonsocket Lincoln Industrial Highway.

§ 24-8-40. Woonsocket Lincoln Industrial Highway.
State highway ninety-nine (99) within the town of Lincoln shall henceforth be known as the “Woonsocket Lincoln Industrial Highway.”
History of Section.
P.L. 1988, ch. 206, § 1; P.L. 1988, ch. 312, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-41. - David Spicer Bridge.

§ 24-8-41. David Spicer Bridge.
That part of Route 95 within the city of Providence presently known only as the Route 95 Viaduct shall henceforth be known as the David Spicer Bridge.
History of Section.
P.L. 1989, ch. 550, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-42. - Emergency management — Lane clearance.

§ 24-8-42. Emergency management — Lane clearance.
(a)
Whenever any public safety agency through the legitimate exercise of its police powers determines that an emergency is caused by the immobilization of any vehicle(s) on the interstate system or limited access highway, as defined in § 31-1-23(e), resulting in lane blockage and posing a threat to public safety, public safety agencies and those acting at their direction or request shall have emergency authority to move the immobilized vehicle(s).
(b)
There shall be no liability incurred by any state or local public safety department or agents directed by them whether those agents are public safety personnel or not for damages incurred to the immobilized vehicle(s), its contents or surrounding area caused by the emergency measures employed through the legitimate exercise of the police powers vested in that agency to move the vehicle(s) for the purpose of clearing the lane(s) to remove any threat to public safety.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 202, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 216, § 5.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-43. - Alteration of roadways.

§ 24-8-43. Alteration of roadways.
(a)
Any person, firm or corporation including utilities and contractors who or that alter a roadway that is subject to the provisions of this chapter shall restore that portion of the roadway that was altered to the same or better condition that existed prior to alteration or as required in accordance with the state or municipal permit requirements. Repaving and repair of a roadway by a public utility or utility facility shall be in accordance with and subject to the provisions of chapter 2.2 of title 39.
(b)
Any alteration of roadways that creates a public safety concern, as determined by the public safety official of the municipality or the state, including the need to move utility poles, shall be corrected by the contractor and/or utility within thirty (30) days of being notified in writing of such public safety concern by the director of the department of transportation.
(c)
Restoration of any altered roadway shall commence immediately after the completion of the alteration and shall include, if necessary, temporary or intermediate restoration on an ongoing basis to keep the roadway smooth and bump free until the permanent restoration can be completed.
(d)
Where the alteration involves the installation or upgrading of a traffic signal(s), the signal(s) shall not be activated until the alteration has been substantially completed, as determined by the director of the department of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1992, ch. 335, § 2; P.L. 2005, ch. 308, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 170, § 3; P.L. 2019, ch. 234, § 3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-44. - Gainer Dam bridge and roadway.

§ 24-8-44. Gainer Dam bridge and roadway.
The department of transportation shall have full charge and control of the maintenance of the Gainer Dam bridge and roadway, a section of route 12 crossing the Gainer Dam and Scituate Reservoir, and the bridge and roadway are hereby made part of the state highway system. The department of transportation shall appoint such attendants and other employees as may be required for the care and maintenance of the bridge and roadway, and exercise full authority. All appropriations for the care, maintenance, and repair of the bridge and roadway shall be expended under the direction of the department of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1995, ch. 87, § 1; P.L. 1995, ch. 172, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8 - Construction and Maintenance of State Roads › Section 24-8-45. - Steel plate use.

§ 24-8-45. Steel plate use.
(a)
The director of the department of transportation shall establish rules and regulations for the use of steel plates on roadway surfaces used to protect an excavation. At a minimum, the rules and regulations shall consider steel plates designed for the safety of vehicles and pedestrians to include:
(1)
Steel plates shall withstand traffic loading without movement;
(2)
When two (2) or more steel plates are used, the plates shall be welded in a manner to eliminate vertical movement;
(3)
All steel plates shall be marked with the utility or contractor name and contact information;
(4)
Steel plates shall be installed to extend a minimum of eighteen inches (18″) beyond the edge of the excavation;
(5)
Temporary paving with a cold asphalt mix or installation of other suitably manufactured equipment shall be used to feather the edges of the plate to form a wedged taper to cover the edges of the steel plate;
(6)
Each corner of the steel plate shall be marked with durable and highly reflective white pavement marking tape no less than four inches (4″) in width;
(7)
The exposed surface area of the steel plate shall be slip resistant when required by the DPW director or other appropriate municipal approval authority; and
(8)
All signage advising motorists of the steel plate shall be in compliance with the current edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(b)
The director of the department of transportation may authorize use of steel plates on roadway surfaces that fail to comply with subsection (a) in an emergency situation or for public safety purposes.
History of Section.
P.L. 2019, ch. 184, § 2; P.L. 2019, ch. 253, § 2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8.1 - Relocation of Utility Services › Section 24-8.1-1. - Declaration of policy.

§ 24-8.1-1. Declaration of policy.
The general assembly hereby finds and declares that the services rendered by utilities owned by private corporations, private companies, municipalities, political subdivisions, authorities, or agencies of the state are necessary to the public health, welfare, and safety and that any payments made to such utilities for the costs of state initiated relocation thereof incident to the construction of highway projects on the federal aid primary or secondary systems or on the national system of interstate and defense highways, including extensions thereof, are for a public purpose.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 148, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8.1 - Relocation of Utility Services › Section 24-8.1-2. - Relocation of utility facilities necessitated by highway construction.

§ 24-8.1-2. Relocation of utility facilities necessitated by highway construction.
Notwithstanding any provision of law or of any charter or statute, general or special, to the contrary, whenever state-initiated relocation of utility facilities in the state, owned by private corporations, private companies, municipalities, political subdivisions, authorities, or agencies of the state, whether within or without the limits of public ways, shall become necessary in connection with a highway project on the federal aid primary or secondary systems or on the national system of interstate and defense highways, including extensions thereof, for which the state shall be entitled under any law of the United States to reimbursement from federal funds for any portion of the cost of the project, then the state may order the relocation of the utility facilities, and the private corporation, private company, municipality, political subdivision, agencies of the state, or authority owning or operating the facilities shall promptly relocate the facilities in accordance with the order and the state shall reimburse the owner of the utility or utility facility for the cost of relocation subject to the following limitations and in accordance with the following formula: for any utility facility that is to be reimbursed federally, in whole or in part, and for any utility facility that does not qualify for federal reimbursement, the division shall reimburse the owner fifty percent (50%) of the costs of relocating the utility facility; in no case shall a utility be reimbursed for any type of betterment; reimbursement is for relocation costs only; the state shall pay the cost of the relocation to the utility as part of the cost of the federally aided highway project. A utility relocation shall be eligible for reimbursement pursuant to this section only if it is completed to the satisfaction of the state within target dates established by the state and in accordance with design criteria set forth by the state for the relocation in a manner that facilitates the timely completion of the affected project. The state shall pay a reasonable amount to private corporations and private companies for the relocation of utilities commencing with highway projects that are authorized for construction after March 1, 1976.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 148, § 1; P.L. 2022, ch. 340, § 1, effective June 29, 2022; P.L. 2022, ch. 341, § 1, effective June 29, 2022.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8.1 - Relocation of Utility Services › Section 24-8.1-2.1. - Relocation necessitated by sewer construction.

§ 24-8.1-2.1. Relocation necessitated by sewer construction.
Notwithstanding any provision of law or of any charter or statute, general or special, to the contrary, whenever the relocation of utility facilities in the state, owned by private corporations, private companies, municipalities, political subdivisions, authorities, or agencies of the state, whether within or without the limits of public ways, shall become necessary in connection with a sewer construction project, for which the state shall be entitled under any law of the United States to reimbursement from federal funds for any portion of the cost of the project, then the municipality or sewerage district commission undertaking the project may require the relocation of the utility facilities, and the private corporation, private company, municipality, political subdivision, agencies of the state, or authority owning or operating such facilities shall promptly relocate the facilities and the state shall pay the state and federal share, if eligible, of the cost of the relocation to the utility as part of the cost of the federally aided sewer construction project.
History of Section.
P.L. 1982, ch. 346, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8.1 - Relocation of Utility Services › Section 24-8.1-3. - “Utility facilities” defined.

§ 24-8.1-3. “Utility facilities” defined.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term “utility facilities” includes the systems owned by private corporations, private companies, municipalities, political subdivisions, authorities or agencies of the state furnishing water, sewage disposal, telephone, telegraph, or other communication, electric, or gas services within this state and all plant and equipment comprised therein without regard to whether or not the furnishing of such services is subject to regulation under the provisions of title 39, provided further that all private corporations and private companies coming within the scope of this chapter shall be regulated by title 39.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 148, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8.1 - Relocation of Utility Services › Section 24-8.1-3.1. - “As built” plans required.

§ 24-8.1-3.1. “As built” plans required.
Each utility shall submit to the department of transportation a complete set of “as-built” plans, within sixty (60) days of the installation of new utility facilities, or within sixty (60) days of the relocation of existing utility facilities that affect state roads.
History of Section.
P.L. 1999, ch. 378, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8.1 - Relocation of Utility Services › Section 24-8.1-4. - “Costs of relocation” defined.

§ 24-8.1-4. “Costs of relocation” defined.
For the purposes of this chapter, the term “cost of relocation” includes the entire amount paid by the private corporations, private companies, municipality, authorities or agency of the state, or authority, properly and reasonably attributable to relocation, after deducting therefrom any increase in the value of the new facility and any salvage value derived from the old facility. The amount of reimbursement for the cost of relocation shall not be reduced by any expired service life of the old facility.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 1976, ch. 148, § 1; P.L. 1986, ch. 49, § 1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-8.1 - Relocation of Utility Services › Section 24-8.1-5. - Public utility and other acts unaffected.

§ 24-8.1-5. Public utility and other acts unaffected.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed to repeal, abridge, or modify the provisions of the Public Utilities Act, compiled in title 39, or any related acts now in force.
History of Section.
P.L. 1967, ch. 50, § 1; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 60.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-9 - Storm Emergency Account › Section 24-9-1. - Purpose of chapter.

§ 24-9-1. Purpose of chapter.
While appropriations adequate to meet the normal average needs of the department of transportation in the performance of its duties relating to maintenance of roads and related matters are annually made in legislation appropriating funds for each fiscal year, the general assembly recognizes the necessity for anticipating and making advance provision to care for the unusual and extraordinary burdens imposed on the department by reason of extreme climatic phenomena and other emergencies. For these purposes, it is the intention of the general assembly to forearm the department, vesting it with adequate power and authority within the limitation of available funds in the storm emergency account to meet any such emergency.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1644, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-9-1.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-9 - Storm Emergency Account › Section 24-9-2. - Emergency account established.

§ 24-9-2. Emergency account established.
There is hereby established a special account to be known as the storm emergency account. The governor may from time to time in the event of any emergency, within the purview of this chapter, allocate funds to the account, which shall be available for expenditure in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1644, § 2; G.L. 1956, § 24-9-2.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-9 - Storm Emergency Account › Section 24-9-3. - Emergency expenditures.

§ 24-9-3. Emergency expenditures.
Whenever any extreme climatic phenomena or other unpredictable emergency shall in the considered judgment of the director of transportation, impose upon the department of transportation extraordinary duties relating to maintenance of roads or related matters, not foreseeable by the director at the time of submitting budget estimates for the department, the director may meet such emergencies by employing for the duration of the emergencies additional personnel, and by hiring or otherwise acquiring all necessary appliances and equipment.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1644, § 3; G.L. 1956, § 24-9-3.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-9 - Storm Emergency Account › Section 24-9-4. - Payments from emergency account.

§ 24-9-4. Payments from emergency account.
All obligations and expenses incurred by the director in the exercise of the powers and duties vested in the director by the foregoing provisions of this chapter shall be paid by the general treasurer out of available funds in the storm emergency account; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum, or so much thereof as may be required, upon receipt by the state controller of proper vouchers duly approved by the director of transportation.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1644, § 4; G.L. 1956, § 24-9-4.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-9 - Storm Emergency Account › Section 24-9-5. - Liberal construction — Powers additional.

§ 24-9-5. Liberal construction — Powers additional.
The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed in order to accomplish the purposes hereof and to permit the director to adequately cope with any emergency which may arise, as provided in this chapter; and the powers herein vested in the director of transportation shall be construed as being in addition to all other powers presently vested in him or her, and not in derogation of any existing powers.
History of Section.
P.L. 1945, ch. 1644, § 5; G.L. 1956, § 24-9-5; P.L. 1997, ch. 326, § 61.
2023 Rhode Island General Laws › Title 24 - Highways › Chapter 24-10 - Freeways › Section 24-10-1. - “Freeway” defined.

§ 24-10-1. “Freeway” defined.
A “freeway” is a way especially designed for through traffic over which abutters have no easement or right of light, air, or access by reason of the fact that their property abuts upon the way.
History of Section.
P.L. 1937, ch. 2537, § 1; G.L. 1938, ch. 75, § 1; G.L. 1956, § 24-10-1.