Tolls going up on SR 520 bridge

Tolls on the SR 520 bridge are going up as of July 1. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved an increase of about 2.5 percent at its meeting this week.

Tolls on the SR 520 bridge are going up as of July 1. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved an increase of about 2.5 percent at its meeting this week.

The new peak, weekday Good To Go! pass toll rate will be $3.80, and the new peak, weekday Pay By Mail toll rate will be $5.40. The “weekday peak rate” is defined as 7-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The increase affects all toll rates, but drivers using a Good To Go! pass will continue to pay the lowest rate. The complete toll-rate schedule for the SR 520 bridge will be posted online later this month.

SR 520 traffic and revenue continue to meet projections and are on track to provide $1.2 billion in funding to help pay for the construction of a new bridge. This year’s increase is the third of four annual 2.5 percent toll rate increases for SR 520, which is part of the commission’s plan established in 2011.

When the new bridge opens in July 2016, there is a planned, one-time 15 percent increase. However, the commission may adjust any of these anticipated rate increases after its review of traffic and revenue each year. The commission is required by law to set toll rates for the SR 520 bridge at levels sufficient to pay for debt payments, maintenance, preservation and operations of the bridge.