What you need to know about new toll increases for Seattle tunnel, Tacoma Narrows Bridge

Toll increases for Seattle’s SR 99 tunnel and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge took effect as of Friday, Oct. 1.

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The increases were approved by the Washington State Transportation Commission in late August. That will see the SR 99 tunnel toll going up by a flat 15%, with rates now ranging between $1.15 and $2.60, depending on the time of day.

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll went up by $0.25, running Good to Go pass-holders $5.25. Paying at the toll booth instead will cost $6.25, while paying by mail remains the most expensive option at $7.25.

The WSTC also approved an increase for the SR 520 bridge, but that won’t take effect until July 1, 2023. That routes tolls will increase by a tailored 15%, extending peak hours in the morning and afternoon by an hour each. Rates will start at $1.25 in the early morning hours after midnight, and rise to $4.50 during the morning and afternoon/evening commutes.

WSTC Commissioner Jerry Litt said they were put in a tough place with the toll revenues decimated by the pandemic, and with the Legislature punting on more money for the roads. The state could default on its loans if it failed to raise the rates, according to the testimony from financial experts.

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On the 99 Tunnel increase, several commissioners were worried that if it gets too high it would force people to divert, clogging downtown Seattle streets.

“We are very concerned, as we were at the beginning of this process a few years ago, about diversion,” Litt said. “We did everything we could, I think, in this process to keep it as low as we possibly can.”

You can see more details about the toll increases on the WSTC’s website here.

KIRO Radio reporter Chris Sullivan contributed to this story.

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