$6.85 Peak Toll for 520 Proposed
Officially more expensive than busing across Lake Washington on Sound Transit, it could potentially cost drivers up to $6.85 round-trip to use 520 as their primary commuter route. Further suggestions indicate that the rate would be variable throughout the day and week, with some tolls as low as $0.75. Currently 115,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.
Highway 520 tolls:4 options
TOLLS TO CROSS THE FLOATING BRIDGE would be less if they begin in 2010, or more if the state waits until 2016, when a new bridge is supposed to be finished, a state study says. These examples are for one-way travel.
Toll current bridge in 2010, new bridge in 2016: Morning peak $2.15; afternoon peak $2.95; midday $1.05.
Toll new 520 bridge in 2016: Morning peak $3.05; afternoon peak $3.80; midday $2.10.
Toll new 520 and existing I-90 bridges, in 2016: Morning peak $2.60; afternoon peak $3.25; midday $2.10.
Toll 520 bridge in 2010, and I-90 bridge in 2016: same as preceding option.* ALL PRICES IN 2007 DOLLARS (Via Seattle Times)
When parts of I-5 closed for repair, commuters utilized a variety of different methods to avoid long backups. These methods consisted of carpooling, working from home, using public transit, and driving during off-peak hours. I wouldn’t be surprised if more companies introduced employee bus passes/rideshare options, or perhaps offer commuter buses ala Microsoft’s Connector.
about time….people who use it should pay for it
The toll will totally mess up highway 523. It’s a good thing they are working on expanding parts of it in Kenmore now that should be able to handle much of the rerouters.
I didn’t realize that they were working on 523 until I had to drive through there a few Sundays ago. I rarely drive but ended up being in charge of driving back from camping. Totally caught me off guard. Great to see the improvements though, I used to live in Bothell/Thrasher’s Corner (about 8 or 9 years ago) and had to bus to Kirkland and Seattle a lot. Traffic was horrible even then, before a lot of the suburban sprawl hit that area.