PROVIDENCE, R.I. — After more than a decade leading Rhode Island’s transportation agency, Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti is stepping down. Governor Dan McKee announced Wednesday that he has accepted Alviti’s resignation, with the longtime director set to retire on February 27, 2026. The Governor also said his administration will launch a nationwide search for the next permanent head of the department.
In the interim, RIDOT’s Chief Engineer for Infrastructure, Robert Rocchio, will take over the top job. McKee said Rocchio’s engineering background and steady leadership will be especially important as the state moves into the next phase of the Washington Bridge replacement project.
“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,” the Governor said.
Alviti, who has led RIDOT since 2015, reflected on his tenure in his letter of resignation. He described the work as a “privilege” and said the past eleven years have brought “wonderful progress” in modernizing the state’s transportation system. When he took the role, Rhode Island had one of the highest percentages of structurally deficient bridges in the nation. Over the years, RIDOT developed and executed the state’s first comprehensive 10‑year transportation plan, secured major federal funding, and ultimately brought the state’s percentage of deficient bridges below 10 percent by the end of 2025 — the longstanding benchmark that state leaders had set.
His letter pointed to several major projects completed during his tenure, including the Route 6/10 interchange reconstruction, the Providence Viaduct project, and expansion of the state’s transit options through the new Pawtucket‑Central Falls Train Station, improved bus facilities, and a new ferry system. He also emphasized that Rhode Island now ranks among the top states for pedestrian and vehicle safety, something he called one of his highest priorities.
Alviti revealed that he and his wife had been planning his retirement for some time but said the unexpected closure of the Washington Bridge in December 2023 made him feel obligated to stay. In the letter, he said it wasn’t in his nature “to leave behind a problem unsolved.” He remained to help oversee emergency traffic measures, secure hundreds of millions of dollars in funding, complete the demolition of the old bridge, and award the contract to the firm now designing and building what he described as a modern, long‑lasting replacement. With those milestones in place and the rebuild phase underway, Alviti said he believes the project is now firmly on track for successful completion.
Calling his time at RIDOT “the pinnacle of my professional career,” Alviti expressed gratitude to the Governor, his staff, and the people of Rhode Island.
McKee thanked Alviti for his years of service across two administrations and wished him well in retirement. Meanwhile, Rocchio steps into the interim role as the state’s most closely watched transportation project enters a crucial stage — and as the search begins for the next leader to guide Rhode Island’s infrastructure future.
