Electronic tolling on the 520 bridge crossing Lake Washington between Seattle and Medina/Bellevue is likely to begin in 2011 according to the Seattle Times. The company contracted to manage the project has said the timeline was moved back from previously-planned 2010 tolling on Evergreen Point.
Seattle area drivers will use a Good To Go pass and pay automatically, or will be mailed a bill (must be more Medina cameras on the way). The tolls will also be adjusted based on peak traffic times in an effort to reduce traffic.
The reports thus far have estimated tolls around $2-$3, but said people wouldn't balk at paying up to $7. While this may be true in the large part of the Microsoft population, it seems a bit harsh to apply that standard to everyone. There are plenty of students, blue-collar workers, and seniors on fixed incomes who would really be hurt by a $5+ toll every day. Let's hope that the state eases into these tolls at the lower levels.
Sam DeBord and Brian Wiegand
Real Estate Brokers, Realtors
SeattleHome.com (206) 552-8820
Real Estate Brokers, Realtors
SeattleHome.com (206) 552-8820
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