Oregon and Washington I-5 Toll Debate Turns to Who Pays More if Some Drivers Get Discounts
Controversial tolls on Interstate 5 are being debated, as uncertainty remains about what they will cost and when they will start.
Officials are weighing in on discounts, but the drawback is that discounts for a few will increase costs for everyone else to balance the budget.
Oregon & Washington Officials Meet Over I-5 Bridge Tolls
As planning continues for tolling on the Interstate Bridge replacement project, Oregon and Washington officials from the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s Tolling Subcommittee met last week to discuss toll discounts and exemptions for certain categories of drivers and vehicles, including whether low-income drivers should receive discounted toll rates.
Project plans include collecting tolls on the existing Interstate Bridge during construction of the replacement span and continuing tolling when the new bridge opens.
During last week’s meeting, the committee considered whether toll exemptions could be applied for emergency vehicles, school buses, tow trucks, and state maintenance vehicles. Categories of vehicles that would not qualify for exemptions include rideshare vehicles, public transit buses, and private buses.
The toll rate, discounts, and exemptions have not been finalized. While there are no firm answers yet, officials said tolling on the Interstate 5 crossing could begin as early as summer 2028.
Interstate Bridge Exemptions and Discounts Could Increase Tolls For Other Drivers
The toll discount debate is really a funding tradeoff. The bridge program is counting on tolls as part of the construction plan, with projected toll funding listed at $1.5 billion.
Source: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program cost estimate and funding update
Dailytidings.com
If officials exempt more vehicles or offer larger discounts, the question becomes whether the lost revenue is covered by higher tolls on other drivers, increased public funding, a smaller first phase, or a longer wait for the full project.
IBR lists the updated project cost at $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion, with $14.4 billion used for financial planning.
Projected toll funding is $1.5 billion, and toll rates and policies will be set to support that amount in the financial plan.
In addition, the cost estimate notes that tolling scenarios being studied include:
- $1.55 to $4.70 per trip,
- Truck multipliers of 1.5x to 4x,
- A 50% low-income toll discount for registered drivers at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Source: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program tolling scenario update
Dailytidings.com
I’m still confused as to how they can charge a toll on a Federal Highway. They’re plans include sidewalks, not needed as you’re not allowed to walk on the side of the highway. LightRail lanes, Sound Transit is proof that LightRail costs are exorbitantly expensive for the little use the get. There’s other nonsense included by the Climate hoax that raises costs.
And second question has Federal Funding been looked into? I know both State Governments have ruined reputations with the Federal Government as they have extreamly BAD TDS but it’s worth a try.