Report: Tunnel toll too low to pay for SR 99 replacement
Apr 27, 2017, 2:22 PM | Updated: Apr 28, 2017, 8:28 am
New SR 99 Tunnel will be ‘safest place in Seattle during an earthquake’
WA81 writes: "Wonder if they got in some sort of trouble, to shut down all of a sudden seems kinda fishy (see what I did there?)." Read the full story.
(see what I did there?)
It may cost drivers more to use the Seattle tunnel once it is complete than state officials originally anticipated.
State officials are worried that original tolling estimates that will help pay for the Alaskan Way replacement project won’t be enough to cover the bill.
RELATED: Crews continue building SR 99 tunnel machine after Bertha’s job is done
Funding for this $3.1 billion viaduct replacement project comes from state and federal sources as well as the Port of Seattle. Planners expected $200 million in tolls would also contribute to the hefty cost. A tolling plan was hashed out, but now it seems that previous estimates are too low to meet the $200 million requirement.
The previous tolling estimates from the Washington State Department of Transportation broke down to $1.25 per rush hour trip and $1 at all other times. According to a new report highlighted in The Seattle Times, that figure appears too low.
That leaves WSDOT in a bit of a quandary. Analysts have warned that revenue at the $1.25 toll level won’t meet the bare minimum. Yet, analysts also warned that raising the price too high will just push drivers to alternate routes.
According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, two options have been studied so far as part of the first phase of its investment grade traffic and revenue study.
“WSDOT is conducting the investment grade study to demonstrate to the bond market that we can raise the $200 million in toll revenue required by the Legislature for SR 99,” the state said in a statement. “The Washington State Transportation Commission is responsible for setting toll rates. They will study other toll rate options as part of the public toll rate setting process which will start later this year.”
Construction continues inside the tunnel to build a two-layer roadway and other systems. It is expected to open in 2018.
