Community Corner

Final Chance To Sound Off On Proposed Tacoma Narrows Bridge Toll Increase on May 20

After taking public comment, the Washington State Transportation Commission is scheduled to vote on the proposed 25-cent increase this year and another in 2014.

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Brent Champaco, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

  • WHAT: Final public hearing on Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll increase
  • WHEN: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, May 20
  • WHERE: Gig Harbor Civic Center, 3510 Grandview Street. 
The public will get one more chance to sound off on the proposed toll hike to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

The Washington State Transportation commission is holding the public hearing in Gig Harbor, after which it will vote on the 25-cent this year, then another in 2014.

If approved, the new rates would take effect July 1.

If you can't make the final hearing, you can submit your comments to the commission in writing via email or mail. All written comments must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, May 17.  Email comments can be sent to transc@wsdot.wa.gov. Written comments can be mailed to: PO Box 47308, Olympia, WA. 98504-7308.The proposed toll rates to take effect July 1, 2013, are:
  • $4.25 for Good To Go! pass
  • $5.25 cash
  • $6.25 Pay By Mail
The commission is required by law to set toll rates for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in an amount that is sufficient to pay the debt for the bridge, as well as to pay costs related to maintenance, preservation and operations of the bridge.

The bridge was financed with an escalating debt structure to minimize the initial toll rates and impact on bridge users. Debt payments started out low when the bridge opened to traffic in 2007 and are now rising steeply, requiring additional toll revenue each year to pay the escalating obligation. Over the next four fiscal years, debt-service payments grow from $45 million in 2013 to $70 million in 2017.

The commission evaluates several factors during the toll-setting process, including bridge expenses that are paid for by toll revenue, trends in traffic volumes, the schedule for bond payments, ending balances in the toll revenue account, the rate recommendations from the governor-appointed Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee and public input. 

For more information about the commission, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/

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