PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — The Interstate-5 bridge connecting Oregon and Washington is in need of a major upgrade but some community members are expressing criticisms over the proposed tolling that may be implemented to help fund it.
Project leaders told KOIN 6 News they already have a commitment of $5.7 billion in state and federal funding. However, they said they plan to foot the rest of the bill through tolling.
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On Tuesday, the Bi-State Tolling Subcommittee presented recommendations to the Joint Washington State and Oregon Transportation Commissions at a meeting in Vancouver.
According to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program’s environmental impact study released last month , tolling on the bridge would start with construction in late 2025 or early 2026. No fares will be required between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. until the projected is completed, estimated to be in late 2033. After that, tolls would operate around the clock.