State favors charging as much as $2.25 to use Seattle’s new tunnel
Jul 17, 2018, 3:29 PM | Updated: 3:34 pm
A graphic depicting the north end of the tunnel once completed. (WSDOT)
(WSDOT)
Drivers will likely be charged between $1.50 and $2.25 to use Seattle’s new SR99 tunnel when it opens later this year, should the public approve.
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The Washington State Transportation Commission had been considering three tolling options for the new tunnel, titled options A, B, and C. It voted to move forward on Option A at its meeting Tuesday.
Option A
• Toll rates range from $1.50 – $2.25 during peak travel times and $1 overnight.
• The midday toll rate is $1.25.
• There are four different toll rates over six time periods on weekdays.
• Beginning in July 2022, toll rates increase 3 percent, every three years for all days of the week.
The decision is not yet final. Option A still faces public review and comment before the commission can officially adopt the toll rates. That will happen later this summer, hopefully before the tunnel opens.
There were minor differences among the three options; mostly for when to start increasing the toll rate and by what percentage. Option A is among the more expensive options by about 25 cents for the midday rate.
The new SR 99 tunnel is slated to open as soon as fall.
