Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director James R. Capaldi retired on Dec. 22, after 36 years of service to the state of Rhode Island. Capaldi had been RIDOT’s director since 2003.

“Jim Capaldi has been an outstanding director,” said Gov. Donald Carcieri. “Rhode Island’s transportation system has never looked better. The roads are cleaner, better maintained, and the improvements continue every day.”

“I am grateful to Governor Carcieri for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my goal of being director. Being able to make real changes within the department and on the roads and bridges, highways and bike paths are something that I am very proud,” said Capaldi. “Of all the positions I have held, being director has been the most rewarding.”

Capaldi started with RIDOT in the summer of 1965 as an intern where he caught the “transportation virus.” He started full time in 1969 in the Road Design section and eventually worked his way up holding the positions of chief design engineer, chief of construction operations, chief engineer, and finally director.

“This year has been an outstanding one at RIDOT with the demolition of the old Jamestown Bridge, construction of the Iway and the floating of its signature bridge up Narragansett Bay, completing the Freight Rail Improvement Project, and making improvements to the Cliffwalk,” said Capaldi. “I can’t think of a better capstone year than the one we all just experienced."

“But now it is time for me to attempt new challenges and I look forward to what might lie ahead in the private sector,” said Capaldi. “I am eager for new responsibilities and change.”

“Jim has been a true public servant,” said Carcieri. “No one could have asked for a better director of transportation. I thank him for his service and wish him and his family well as he embarks on a new chapter in his life.”

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