WASHINGTON, USA — The Washington State Transportation Commission is considering different scenarios next Tuesday to raise the Bellevue to Lynnwood Interstate 405 express lane and Highway 167 toll up to $15, starting as soon as early 2024, according to Carl See, deputy director at the Washington State Transportation Commission.
Under the three scenarios being considered, one would eventually raise toll rates to as high as $18.
The increase in tolls is due to different reasons, including state revenue losses during COVID and efforts for traffic alleviation.
However, See said the increase is largely due to construction funding deficits.
"The funding issue is tied to the recently awarded projects, the north end expansion from one lane to two lanes on 405 and improvements on 167 on the south," See said. Both those bids ... came in significantly over budget, compared to the cost estimates. Nevertheless, the Legislature did give the approval to award the bids with recognizing they're going to need to find a way to fill the gap next session."
The increase is happening soon because the Washington state Legislature wrote to the Commission to expedite the toll increase to account for budget gaps.
"There was a letter that was sent from legislative members to ask for an advancing rate setting in support of meeting this funding gap," See said. "In no way will it solve a funding gap, but it's a contribution to solving a funding gap."
Two of the scenarios have a maximum toll of $15, while one of the scenarios has a maximum of $18. The Commission will consider the different proposals, with public hearings happening this fall. The final vote will occur in January 2024 and the increases will be implemented in February or March, See said.
Earlier in October, the Washington State Transportation Commission, which is in charge of adopting tolls for all state toll facilities, raised ferry fares by 4.25% and has determined it will increase another 4.25% in 2024.
See also said the increases are necessary to reduce traffic on the busy highways.
"What we're seeing right now, though, is that times when you choose to pay, say the maximum rate, you may end up in congestion of the ramps because it certainly just isn't the rates aren't calibrated to a point where it's alleviating the traffic."
As for the Bellevue to Renton widening and express toll lanes project, it is set to open in July 2025. See said the Commission has been preparing for updated full rates and policies to take effect for the corridor, which will connect to the Bellevue to Lynnwood express lanes.