To the editor:

As I travel back and forth across the new Sakonnet River Bridge I can't help but notice the weeds that are starting to grow from the storm drains. On closer inspection I see that the drains are full of sand.

That's the same salty sand that rusted away the last bridge. We were told the tax and fee increases put into the budget last year would fund the maintenance.

The RI Turnpike and Bridge Authority was given the bridge and we were told that they would take care of it. I don't see them doing anything but allowing it to deteriorate. A vacuum truck could clean the bridge in two hours, drains and all. Then the bridge will last its full life without costly repairs and traffic jams.

I'm not surprised at what I see knowing what I know about this state. It's a sinking ship.

Joe Sousa

Tiverton