Community members 'very concerned' about proposed I-5 bridge toll

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.

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.

The subcommittee, tasked with hammering out the fare details, confirmed the project aims to raise at least $1.25 billion through tolling. But residents of both Washington and Oregon who gave public comment during the meeting were not shy about voicing their concerns.

“I now have to get specialty care at OHSU," said Deborah, a Vancouver resident. "I’m very concerned about having to pay tolls to go over and get my medical care.”

“Our people, they don’t want to pick up the toll rates. They don’t want to pick up the cost for operating the toll,” said Paul Edgar, a resident of Oregon City.

The subcommittee shared a rare look at four potential fare models based on recent studies. They show varying starting costs ranging from $1.55 to $4.75. That doesn't include a projected escalation of at least 2.15% each year, additional costs for trucks or potential exclusions and discounts for tribal members and low-income families.

The Washington State legislature green-lit tolling on the bridge last year. Now Oregon is working to finalize its tollway application by next January. If approved, an official toll rate will be selected by late spring of 2025 and adopted that summer.

For more information about leaving comments regarding the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, check the Oregon Transportation Commission's website or the Washington State Transportation Commission's website.