Toll Increases Approved For SR 520 Bridge, SR 99 Tunnel

BELLEVUE, WA — The Washington State Transportation Commission approved a slate of toll increases Tuesday, and drivers can expect to pay more to cross the State Route 520 bridge in two years. Tuesday's approval includes rate hikes for drivers traveling the State Route 99 tunnel in Seattle and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which both take effect this October.

While Eastside commuters have until July 1, 2023, to brace for higher tolls on the SR 520 bridge, they will also see the largest increase at certain times. Weekday peak pricing will last an extra hour, and drivers will see rates increased by $1.10 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Drivers will see less dramatic increases during off-peak hours, including on weekends, ranging from an extra 20 to 55 cents. Overnight tolls will remain unchanged, at $1.25.

In approving the price hikes, WSTC commissioners pointed to declining toll revenues during the pandemic. Should conditions improve faster than expected, commissioners may re-adjust the rates before they take effect, officials said.

WSTC writes:

"The pandemic has resulted in a significant decline in traffic and toll revenues for the SR 520 bridge. In the short-term, the Legislature has provided funding to address financial requirements eliminating the need to increase toll rates in 2021. However, forecasts project revenue shortfalls in the future as the region continues to recover from the pandemic. In order to meet legal requirements and bond contracts, the WSTC must update the financial plan for the SR 520 bridge to incorporate a rate increase in 2023. If traffic rebounds faster than anticipated, the WSTC may adjust rates again before the new rates take effect in 2023."

For the SR 99 tunnel in Seattle, drivers can expect to pay an extra 15 percent across the board, starting Oct. 1. Weekday commuters will pay the most from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with tolls rising from $2.25 to $2.60. Overnight tolls will increase from $1 to $1.15.