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Late last week, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) announced the start of commuter-rail service at the new Wickford Junction station and garage in North Kingstown, R.I.

Service will be provided on weekdays with 20 daily trips, RIDOT officials said in a prepared statement.

“This additional service has been highly anticipated and should help alleviate congestion on our roadways,” said RIDOT Director Michael Lewis.

Built via a public-private partnership between RIDOT and developers of Wickford Junction, the station and garage are a “critical component” of South County Commuter Rail, RIDOT officials said. The facility will extend rail service using the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Providence-Stoughton Line.

The Wickford station and garage will be linked to Rhode Island Public Transit Authority bus service. Station construction began in 2010 and was completed last month under a $25 million contract with Manafort Brothers Inc.