- State law requires revenue collected from tolls on the SR 520 and Tacoma Narrows bridges can only be used on those corridors.
- The WSDOT toll accounting system keeps seperate accounts for each toll facility.
- For the next 30 years, toll revenue will pay the debt on bonds financing construction of the new SR 520 bridge and new Tacoma Narrows bridge.
Future of tolling in Washington state
Declining gas tax revenues and aging infrastructure make tolls a critical part of the state's funding strategy for new, large transportation projects. It's also an increasingly important tool for managing traffic.
In a few years, the state's toll program will add three new toll facilities: I-405 express toll lanes, SR 99 tunnel and the I-5 Columbia River Crossing.
What's happening now?
- SR 99 tolling: The SR 99 Advisory Committee on tolling is working through toll scenarios to meet the project’s legislatively directed $200 million funding target
- I-90 tolling: The I-90 tolling comment period started Jan. 22 and ends Feb. 22. You can learn more about the project and how to comment on I-90 tolling.
- I-405 Express toll lanes: An executive advisory group is discussing how to fund and operate express toll lanes on I-405 and SR 167
Toll Rate Setting Process
The Washington State Transportation Commission reviews traffic and revenue on toll facilities throughout the year to determine whether to change toll rates SR 520 or the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.