Tacoma Narrows bridge toll set at $3
Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, June 6, 2007
OLYMPIA – Tolls on the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge will be $3, with a reduced rate of $1.75 for commuters who use a transponder that automatically deducts the fees from their accounts.
The state Transportation Commission approved the rates Tuesday. The $849 million bridge, a companion to the old bridge, will be dedicated July 15 and tolls will be collected starting the next day.
Lawmakers had hoped to have a $1.50 toll for the first year for commuters with electronic transponders, which deduct the toll without the motorist stopping at a toll booth. But the commission opted for the higher amount after consulting with the Department of Transportation and a citizen advisory panel. The main concern with a steeper discount was that total collections might not be adequate to keep up with bond debt payments, said Reema Griffith, commission executive director.
The new four-lane span is expected to carry about 38,000 vehicles a day from Gig Harbor eastbound to Tacoma. Tolls will be collected only eastbound.
All vehicles will be charged the toll, although emergency vehicles qualify for a rebate if the crossing was part of an active emergency response, the commission decided.
The old bridge, which will be refurbished, will run one-way westbound and will be free.
The tolls, both for cash at the tollbooths and for “Good to Go” transponders, will increase over time. About 19,000 accounts, representing 40,000 vehicles, have been opened so far, with motorists loading their “Good to Go” cards with at least $30.
The bridge bonds should be retired by 2030.
It’s the first major toll facility in Washington in recent years, although a number of older bridges were built this way. Lawmakers say tolls are likely to be a major part of building other mega-projects, such as a new Highway 520 floating bridge across Lake Washington.
The Legislature also authorized a “hot lane” pilot project on a nine-mile stretch of Highway 167 between Auburn and Renton. Starting next April, solo drivers will be able to pay a variable fee to use the car pool lanes.
