Proposed toll rates for new bistate bridge advance to state commissions

A subcommittee for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program to construct a new Interstate 5 Bridge across the Columbia River from Vancouver to Portland has adopted recommended tolling scenarios for consideration by the Washington and Oregon Transportation Commissions.

The four scenarios unanimously adopted by the Bi-state Tolling Subcommittee at its July 19 meeting offer the commissions a variety of different rates that vary not only depending on the status of the bridge’s completion, but how the rates are adjusted during weekends in response to traffic levels.

One scenario would have the toll rate be between $1.55 and $3.20 until the bridge is completed, at which point the maximum toll rate would go up to $3.65; that same scenario would have the toll rate increase by 2.15% annually, while providing a 50% discount for low-income drivers upon the bridge's completion.

The scenario with the highest rates would rage from $2 to $4.75 prior to the bridge’s completion, yet that rate would remain once it’s finished. The toll rate would increase by 3% every two years, while it would break up weekend rates into three separate categories.

Three of the four scenarios would have the same truck toll rates that would be either 1.5 or three times the regular toll rate.

The tolling program is one piece of the financial puzzle to cover not only the cost of the bridge’s construction but it’s ongoing maintenance and preservation. According to bridge replacement planners, the toll program will need to provide at least $1.24 billion in capital funding for the bridge’s construction, while also generating enough revenue to meet future financial obligations.

In addition to $600 million obtained through a National Infrastructure Project Assistance program grant, the project recently secured $1.5 billion in Bridge Investment Program funding.

The state transportation commissions will ultimately vote to adopt tolling rates before the program begins. They are scheduled for a joint meeting on Oct. 1 to be held in Vancouver.