Rhode Island DOT Interim Director to Outline Upcoming Projects

New leadership at RIDOT after former director's retirement

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:21pm

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The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has a new interim director, Robert Rocchio, after the retirement of former director Peter Alviti. Rocchio and Governor Dan McKee will hold a press conference at 2 pm to discuss upcoming construction projects across the state, including the ongoing Washington Bridge rebuild.

Why it matters

The change in RIDOT leadership comes after Alviti faced criticism over the abrupt closure of the westbound side of the Washington Bridge in 2023. Rocchio's appointment is seen as an opportunity to provide steady leadership and engineering expertise for the bridge rebuild and other infrastructure improvements underway in Rhode Island.

The details

Alviti's retirement took effect on February 27, 2026. Governor McKee announced last month that Rocchio, the department's chief engineer for infrastructure, would be serving as interim director. In a press release, McKee expressed confidence in Rocchio's ability to lead RIDOT through the Washington Bridge project and other infrastructure work.

  • Alviti's retirement took effect on February 27, 2026.
  • McKee announced Rocchio as interim director last month.
  • Rocchio and McKee will hold a press conference at 2 pm on March 3, 2026.

The players

Robert Rocchio

The new interim director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the department's chief engineer for infrastructure.

Peter Alviti

The former director of RIDOT who retired on February 27, 2026.

Dan McKee

The Governor of Rhode Island who appointed Rocchio as interim RIDOT director.

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What they’re saying

“As the Washington Bridge project moves from demolition into the rebuild phase, I am confident that Bob Rocchio will provide the steady leadership and engineering expertise we need, not only for this crucial project, but for the many infrastructure improvements that are underway across our state.”

— Dan McKee, Governor of Rhode Island

What’s next

Rocchio and McKee will hold a press conference at 2 pm on March 3, 2026 to share more details about upcoming RIDOT construction projects.

The takeaway

The change in RIDOT leadership comes at a critical time, as the state works to rebuild the Washington Bridge and tackle other infrastructure challenges. Rocchio's appointment as interim director is seen as an opportunity to provide stability and engineering expertise to guide these important projects forward.