(The Center Square) – Last week, the Washington State Transportation Commission provided an update on tolling for Washington’s highways, including Interstate 405 and State Route 167, as well as the Tacoma Narrows Bridge over State Route 16.
WSTC is reviewing the suggestion to raise the maximum rate to $18 for a commuter who uses the express toll rates lane on I-405 and SR 167. That would be a substantial increase from even a year ago when the maximum cost was $10 during peak hours. That was raised to $15 this year.
According to the commission, both facilities are dynamically tolled, which means toll rates are based on traffic conditions and adjust automatically using an algorithm between a minimum and maximum toll rate for each facility.
Drivers without a Good To Go! account can also use the I-405 express toll lanes and receive a bill in the mail for their trip, for $2 more than the Good To Go rate.
During last week’s meeting, commission members were briefed on toll revenues and projections all the way out to 2033.
Washington State Department of Transportation Toll Division Director Ed Barry’s takeaway was improved revenue from September projections but with a caveat.
“Overall, we expect an increase of about 3.5% or 29 million more toll transactions through fiscal year 2033,” he said.
The bulk of that increase is pushing out tolls on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge through 2033, which is projected to increase revenue by $17.7 million.
According to Barry, November revenue projections assume an increase of 4.5%, or $117 million, in toll revenues over the period ending 2033, with $82.4 million of that revenue coming from extending tolls on the Narrows Bridge until 2033.
Currently, Narrows Bridge commuters with a Good To Go! pass pay $4.50 per eastbound trip across the span. For those who don’t have said pass, stopping to pay at the toll bridge costs $5.50. Westbound bridge commuters do not pay the toll. For drivers who choose not to stop at the toll and don’t have a pass, a toll ticket arrives in the mail for $6.50.
The Center Square emailed WSDOT officials about recently inflated toll revenue estimates, which reflect more years than previously projected for tolling on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
The Center Square asked if it was accurate to report that the main reason toll revenues will be higher than September forecasts is that Tacoma Narrows Bridge tolls are to be extended through 2033.
“Your statement is accurate,” WSDOT communications spokesman Chris Foster emailed. “I appreciate you reaching out to confirm.”
