Questions and Answers

Why are tolls being considered on I-5?

Funding sources are expected to come from the federal government, the states of Oregon and Washington and local jurisdictions. However, additional revenue will be needed to fully fund the project. Tolls were identified as a way to supplement state and federal funding and help manage congestion.

Won’t tolling cause traffic backups?

No. CRC proposes to use electronic toll collection to eliminate the need for toll booths and allow vehicles to pay a toll without stopping. Drivers could purchase a credit card sized transponder to place inside their car. Radio equipment on the bridge scans the transponder and deducts the toll from the user’s account. Drivers without a transponder could pre-pay, post-pay or be billed.

How much will I pay to use the I-5 bridges?

It’s too early to know the toll rate on I-5. The CRC project is listening to public input about tolling scenarios and their effects on traffic patterns and revenue. Actual rates will depend on a final finance plan and be determined by the state transportation commissions with approval by the state legislatures. CRC is considering variable tolling, in which tolls would be higher during peak travel times. People who travel during off-peak hours would be charged less.

What happens to traffic on I-205 or on arterial streets if there are tolls on I-5?

If only I-5 was tolled, traffic volumes on I-205 would increase during peak travel times. The Tolling Study looked at the relationship between the two highways, and between I-5 and arterials. More information can be found on the Tolling Scenarios page.

Will tolls be implemented on I-205?

It is unknown at this time. Some of the CRC tolling scenarios studied include tolling I-205 to determine revenue potential, traffic effects and public opinion. If the states decide to pursue tolling I-205, both the Federal Highway Administration and the state legislatures would need to approve it.

What other tolling studies have been done?

CRC conducted several analyses of the financing options for construction as part of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Draft EIS included an early analysis of tolling’s potential to fund a portion of the project. The early scenarios were evaluated to determine travelers’ choices to pay or avoid a toll, and whether a higher toll would provide more revenue or simply cause reduced use of the river crossing. Tolls for the I-205 crossing were evaluated to provide an indication of the potential for a toll to divert drivers to the I-205 crossing if this project were to implement a toll on just the I-5 crossing. The information gained was used to identify the project elements from several under consideration and develop the tolling scenarios reviewed by the CRC Tolling Study Committee.

Have tolls been used in the past?

There are nine roadway bridges crossing the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington. All but one were partially financed with tolls. The original Interstate Bridge between Portland and Vancouver was tolled twice. Once when the northbound bridge opened and once when the southbound bridge opened. Tolls were removed once the construction cost was paid off.