R.I. Gen. Laws § 24-9-5: Liberal construction — Powers additional.

The provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed in order to accomplish the purposes hereof and to permit the director to adequately cope with any emergency which may arise, as provided in this chapter; and the powers herein vested in the director of transportation shall be construed as being in addition to all other powers presently vested in him or her, and not in derogation of any existing powers.