RI Turnpike And Bridge Director To Retire After 13 Years

The executive director of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority will step down after more than a decade on the job, the agency announced Wednesday. Earl "Buddy" Croft announced his planned retirement at the agency's board meeting.

Croft has helmed the department for 13 years. To give the board ample time to find a suitable replacement and ensure a smooth transition, he will stay on until the end of January.

In his time as executive director, Croft has been at the forefront of several major projects, including the introduction of electronic tolling, the rollout of E-ZPass and Open Road Tolling, as well as the construction of a permanent median barrier on the bridge. During his tenure, the department was given control of the Sakonnet River Bridge and the Jamestown Bridge by the Rhode Island General Assembly. Croft was also a key figure in this summer's 50th anniversary celebration of the Newport Pell Bridge.

Governor Gina Raimondo praised Crofts years of dedicated service to the agency.

"Throughout his long career in government—including more than a decade as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority—Buddy Croft has shown himself to be a dedicated public servant," Raimondo said. "Buddy’s steadfast commitment to improving our state’s infrastructure and willingness to go the extra mile. I wish him the best of luck in his well-deserved retirement."

Croft's career spans nearly four decades, serving Rhode Island Family Court, the City of Cranston and Bishop Hendricken High School.

"Working in the public service provides an opportunity to affect people’s lives in a positive way," Croft said. "I have also had the opportunity to work with a lot of dedicated people and I thank them for all of the support they have given me over the years."