Why is WSDOT considering tolling I-90?
The state Legislature directed WSDOT to conduct an environmental review of tolling I-90 between I-5 and I-405. Tolls are being considered to generate revenue to help fund replacement of the SR 520 floating bridge, which has a funding gap of approximately $1.4 billion. I-90 tolling will also help alleviate congestion on I-90 giving travelers a safer, more reliable trip across Lake Washington.
What has the state Legislature asked WSDOT to study?
Through ESHB 2190 (2012), the Legislature asked WSDOT to “undertake a comprehensive environmental review of tolling Interstate 90 between Interstate 5 and Interstate 405 for the purposes of both managing traffic and providing funding for construction of the unfunded state route number 520 from Interstate 5 to Medina project. The environmental review must include significant outreach to potentially affected communities. The department may consider traffic management options that extend as far east as Issaquah.”
Environmental review process
What is WSDOT doing to study the effects of tolling I-90?
WSDOT is conducting an Environmental Assessment (EA) of tolling on I-90 east of Seattle, as directed by the legislature. WSDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have determined that a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) EA will include a review of pricing, fairness, traffic and economics.
What is an Environmental Assessment?
An Environmental Assessment is a study required as part of NEPA to establish any effects, either positive or negative, from a potential project. By considering environmental effects and mitigation measures early, an EA helps inform decision making and provides opportunities for public participation. The end result of the I-90 Tolling EA will be a report that consists of a technical evaluation of tolling on I-90.
What will the Environmental Assessment include?
The EA will describe:
- Why tolling on I-90 is being considered (purpose and need).
- How tolling would be implemented and how the proposed approach was developed.
- How tolling would affect traffic on I-90, adjacent roadways and parallel routes.
- How tolling would affect those who use I-90 and surrounding communities, including low-income populations.
- Other possible environmental effects such as land use, economics, energy and climate change.
- Where potential environment impacts are identified, the EA will describe what can be done to avoid, minimize or mitigate those impacts.
After scoping, are there other opportunities for the public to be involved?
In fall 2013, WSDOT will publish the draft EA and make it available to the public. WSDOT will also host another series of public meetings, which will be another opportunity for people to comment on the proposed project and the environmental analysis. All public comments will become part of the official record and be available to the Legislature if and when they make a decision about tolling on I-90. WSDOT will also respond to comments in the final environmental document.
Decision making process
Who makes the decision about if I-90 will be tolled?
Legislative authorization is required to toll any new corridors, including I-90. Tolling I-90 would also have to be coordinated with the Federal Highway Administration.
In addition to the Legislature, who else will have input on the decision about whether to toll I-90?
The environmental review process includes opportunities for the public, local jurisdictions and agencies to comment on the EA and its analysis. FHWA is responsible for final approval of the EA and for the toll agreement authorizing tolls on I-90. The legislature will consult the EA to assist them in their decision to authorize tolling I-90 or not. The Washington State Transportation Commission is responsible for setting toll rates, exemptions, and discounts.
Does the Federal Highway Administration allow tolls to be collected on Interstate Highways?
Yes, WSDOT is eligible to toll I-90 under FHWA's Value Pricing Pilot Program (VPPP). Under this program excess revenue over and above debt service and operations and maintenance costs for the I-90 tolling system would be available to help fund the SR 520 program. Under the VPPP, FHWA requires the completion of a formal tolling agreement between the two agencies prior to the commencement of tolling operations.
Is there a chance that, even after completing the NEPA EA, WSDOT could end up deciding that tolling I-90 is not feasible? If not, then why do you need my input?
NEPA requires the consideration of a “no build” alternative to provide baseline information about conditions in the project area if none of the build alternatives are selected for construction. Like with any WSDOT project, the I-90 tolling project is being proposed because there is a purpose and need for the project to be constructed, so it is anticipated that some form of a build alternative would be selected at the completion of the environmental process.
When going through the environmental process, there is always the potential that a no Build alternative could be selected – though it’s not common because there is a purpose and need for the project to be built. When a project is proposed, it is important that the public weighs in during scoping so that we have their input when analyzing the alternatives under consideration, the associated range of construction and permanent effects, as well as proposed mitigation measures.
Funding Improvements to I-90
Would toll revenue be used to fund projects on I-90?
The Legislature is considering Cross-Lake Washington Corridor improvements (which could include both SR 520 and I-90) and will decide where potential toll revenue would go, taking into consideration the need to close the funding gap on SR 520. Long-term, WSDOT will continue to evaluate improvements along I-90 as far east as Issaquah as directed by the Legislature.
Why would I-90 tolls be used to fund a new SR 520 bridge?
I-90 between Issaquah and Seattle and SR 520 between Redmond and Seattle are parallel facilities that serve as the two main routes for Cross-Lake Washington travel so the state views SR 520 and I-90 improvements together. For many travelers they serve as alternate routes for one another, and their operations influence each other. WSDOT’s goals are to help alleviate congestion, accommodate regional growth, and provide reliable travel conditions throughout the Cross-Lake Washington Corridor.
I-90 Tolling
How would tolls be collected?
Tolling on I-90 would be collected electronically using Good To Go!, similar to how SR 520 works today.
How much would the tolls be? Who determines the toll rates?
We don’t know yet how much the tolls on I-90 would be. The Washington State Transportation Commission is responsible for setting toll rates, exemptions and discounts.
If I am going to Mercer Island and not making the full Cross Lake Washington trip, would I get a discount?
WSDOT is investigating a range of options for tolling. The simplest option would be to toll in one location in both directions. For people living on Mercer Island that would mean they would pay going to and coming from Seattle or Bellevue. Other options might include paying for the segments you use so for people living on Mercer Island it would mean they pay only a portion of the full bridge toll when using a segment to go to either Seattle or Bellevue.
How would tolling affect use of the center roadway?
I-90 tolling is independent from both the I-90 Two-Way Transit and HOV Operations project and Sound Transit's East Link project. Timing for the closure of vehicle traffic and transfer of the center roadway is dependent on Sound Transit’s overall East Link program schedule and is currently scheduled for 2016. The center roadway will be tolled if it is open to vehicle traffic.
SR 520 traffic diversion
What is the impact on I-90 from tolling the SR 520 bridge?
By the end of 2012, daily volume was approximately 11 percent higher on the I-90 floating bridge, compared to previous years. Some of this increase has been attributed to tolling on SR 520 and traffic diverting to I-90. In comparison to before SR 520 tolling started, I-90 travel times between Issaquah and Seattle are four minutes longer on average during the peak travel times. By introducing tolling to I-90, WSDOT would reduce traffic congestion and provide reliable travel conditions in the I-90 corridor. Balancing SR 520 and I-90 traffic by tolling both bridges is part of WSDOT’s Cross-Lake Washington corridor goals.