The Rhode Island Trucking Association and NATSO, the national association representing travel plazas and truck stops, will host an informational rally and press conference Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. to discuss the effects that “RhodeWorks” – the Rhode Island Department of Transportation’s truck-only tolling plan – will have on local businesses and commercial truck drivers that operate within the state of Rhode Island.

RhodeWorks authorizes the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to toll commercial vehicles within the state. Although revenue is supposed to go toward funding the repair and replacement of bridges throughout the state, there are no legal requirements that the money raised be used in this manner. What’s more, according to the Rhode Island Trucking Association, tolls significantly increase the costs of shipped goods and divert trucks off of the interstate onto local roads. The rally will be held at the TravelCenters of America located at 849 Victory Hwy., West Greenwich. Members of the local community as well as truck drivers are welcome to attend this event.