By Bruce Landis
PROVIDENCE - A federal judge declined to issue a restraining order against the collection of tolls on the Sakonnent River Bridge, a spokeswoman for the state Turnpike and Bridge Authority said.
Senior Judge Ronald R. Lagueux declined to issue the order against state and federal agencies, she said. The authority says it intends to start collecting tolls in July.
The Town of Portsmouth, together with nearby towns, sued the government agencies, arguing that the tolls violate federal rules in several respects. Residents living and doing business near the new bridge say it will have a disastrous effect on their economy.