Rhode Island DOT Director Peter Alviti resigns

Alviti faced criticism over Washington Bridge crisis during his decade-long tenure

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:47am

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Peter Alviti, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, has resigned effective at the end of February 2026. Alviti had led the department for 10 years but came under heavy criticism following the abrupt closure of the westbound Washington Bridge in December 2023.

Why it matters

Alviti's resignation comes after a high-profile infrastructure crisis during his tenure, raising questions about leadership and accountability at the state's transportation agency. The Washington Bridge closure caused major disruptions and highlighted the need for better maintenance and emergency planning for critical transportation assets.

The details

Alviti was seen at the Rhode Island State House on Tuesday, February 4, 2026, and told a reporter he was headed to the governor's office suite, though he did not specify the reason. On Wednesday, February 5, 2026, Governor Dan McKee announced Alviti's resignation, effective at the end of the month, thanking him for his years of state service across two administrations.

  • Alviti had led the Rhode Island Department of Transportation for 10 years.
  • The westbound Washington Bridge was abruptly closed in December 2023, during Alviti's tenure.

The players

Peter Alviti

The former director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, who resigned effective at the end of February 2026 after facing criticism over the Washington Bridge crisis.

Dan McKee

The Governor of Rhode Island, who announced Alviti's resignation.

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What they’re saying

“We recognize Director Alviti's many years of state service across two administrations and wish him well.”

— Dan McKee, Governor of Rhode Island

What’s next

The Rhode Island Department of Administration will begin the process of selecting a new director for the state's transportation agency.

The takeaway

Alviti's resignation highlights the importance of strong leadership and accountability at state transportation agencies, especially when faced with major infrastructure challenges that impact the public.