R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-8-24

All bridges so repaired, constructed, or reconstructed pursuant to the provisions set forth in this chapter shall, upon the completion of the construction, reparation or reconstruction, be and become a part of the state highway system, and shall henceforth be repaired, maintained, and reconstructed by the state under the supervision of the director of transportation, except that where any of the bridges are used by any public utility, then the public utility shall pay in the manner provided by § 24-8-23 toward the maintenance, reparation, and reconstruction of the bridge.