Some motorists will get a bill for floating bridge tolls

Bill Downing of Everett writes: I keep hearing radio public service announcements about how the tolling for the Highway 520 bridge will be based on “Good To Go!” transponders. How is that going to work for those of us who only very occasionally use the bridge or people from out of the area who wind up on the bridge? Is the state going to use cameras or “toll cops” to nail miscreants?

Bronlea Mishler, a spokeswoman for the state Transportation Department, responds: Tolls will be collected on the Highway 520 bridge beginning spring 2011. All drivers will be able to pay their tolls electronically, without stopping at toll booths or even slowing down. Vehicles without Good To Go! accounts will have their license plate photographed and a toll bill will be sent in the mail to the registered vehicle owner. They will have up to 80 days to pay the bill. Those who do not pay will be issued a civil infraction. Those who fail to pay the infraction will jeopardize their ability to renew their license plate tabs.

The state is setting up reciprocal agreements with all of the other states to be able to obtain vehicle owner information for out-of-state vehicles. Rental cars also will be part of the Good To Go! system, with each rental car agency determining how they want to assign the tolls, either as a fleet account or by individual vehicle.

We encourage those who are interested in learning more to see our website at www.goodtogo520.org for additional details and to sign up for our e-mail update list so they can be among the first to know as new information becomes available on toll rates, incentives and other important issues.

Ernie Denney of Everett writes: There is on average probably a collision per week at the intersection of 37th and Hoyt avenues in Everett. One day a person out walking is not going to able to avoid a careening vehicle. There are signs on both sides of Hoyt warning that cross traffic does not stop. The traffic is coming west on 37th from Colby Avenue where there is a traffic signal and east from Rucker Avenue, also with a traffic signal.

The intersection at 37th needs to become a four-way stop. The delay in traffic would be far less than when an accident occurs and traffic has to be rerouted. My guess is the police have a record of the number of accidents that have occurred at the corner and the numbers warrant a change to save insurance costs, trauma and possibly serious injury or death.

Dongho Chang, traffic engineer for the city of Everett, responds: We noticed six collisions at this location in 2008 and installed the “cross traffic does not stop” signs in September 2008. Collisions dropped to one collision in 2009. Although one collision is one too many, this intersection does not meet the federal standards that specify when stop signs can be used. We’ll review this intersection at the end of this year to see if conditions have changed.

E-mail Street Smarts at stsmarts@heraldnet.com. Please include your city of residence.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police: 1 suspect in custody, 1 at large after attempted carjacking

Beverly Elementary School went into a precautionary lockdown Thursday afternoon. Numerous officers continue to search for the second suspect.

Candidates announce campaigns for Everett city council seat

Ryan Crowther, founder of the Everett Music Initiative, will challenge incumbent Paula Rhyne for the District 2 seat.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.