SEATTLE (AP) — Washington Transportation Department officials are considering a toll on the Interstate 5 express lanes in Seattle to help repair and maintain the 46-year-old freeway.
Tolls could begin in five years and would vary with congestion, with a peak of $5.50 in the afternoon commute. The express lanes would still be free to cars carrying three or more people. Other drivers who didn’t pay the toll could still use the main freeway, which will likely be more congested.
The Seattle Times reports DOT managers explained the toll plan Wednesday in Seattle to a meeting of the Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee.
The reversible lanes carry 54,000 of the 270,000 daily trips over the Lake Washington Ship Canal bridge.
