Major transportation projects often require innovative and complex funding solutions. The SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program is no different. This page presents an overview of how we plan to deliver a new, safer floating bridge and improvements along SR 520 from I-5 in Seattle to SR 202 in Redmond.
How will WSDOT pay for the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program?
What are the current program costs?
In 2009, the Washington State Legislature set a program budget of $4.65 billion. Our latest project plans, including the west side preferred alternative, are within this program budget.
What is currently funded?
Gov. Gregoire and the Washington State Legislature have secured a variety of state and federal funding sources, including tolling the existing floating bridge, to help pay for the SR 520 program:
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|
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| State funding |
|
$0.55 B |
| Transportation Partnership Account |
$0.50 B |
|
| Nickel Package |
$0.05 B |
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| SR 520 Account (tolling and future federal funding) |
|
$1.60 B |
| Federal funds |
|
$0.22 B |
| Total funding |
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$2.37 B |
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|
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| Program cost |
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$4.65 B |
| Less sales tax deferral |
$0.30 B |
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| Program cost after sales tax deferral |
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$4.35 B |
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|
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| Total unfunded need |
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$1.98 B |
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Gov. Gregoire and the Washington State Legislature have signed two important tolling bills related to SR 520 program: House Bill 2211 (May 2009) and Senate Bill 6392 (March 2010).
Together, these bills allow WSDOT to move forward with:
How will WSDOT implement the recommendations of the SR 520 Legislative Workgroup?
The SR 520 Legislative Workgroup, a group of legislators and transportation officials, presented recommendations on financing and westside design for the SR 520 corridor to the Governor and Legislature. The workgroup was authorized by House Bill 2211.
In order to finance the SR 520 program, the workgroup recommended:
- Use of previously authorized funding included in early tolling of SR 520 per scenario 7.
- Early HOT lane tolling on I-90 as soon as practicable.
- Pursue filling the gap through federal and state revenue to be identified over the next two years.
- If the gap is not filled within that time, then move forward with general tolling of I-90 no sooner than 2014.
The Workgroup also recommended that WSDOT continue to pursue cost savings through further refinement of cost estimates and design.
More information is available in the SR 520 Legislative Workgroup Final Recommendations Report.
WSDOT will continue to work with the Legislature to identify additional funding sources for the SR 520 program.
SR 520 and tolls
When will you begin tolling the existing SR 520 bridge?
Tolling on the SR 520 bridge across Lake Washington is expected to begin in spring 2011.
How will drivers pay tolls on SR 520?
The SR 520 corridor will use all-electronic tolling, meaning no toll booths and no stopping to pay. Tolls will be collected electronically from those with a Good To Go! account as vehicles travel at highway speeds. The license plates of drivers without an account will be photographed and they will be able to post-pay within 72 hours or wait to receive a bill in the mail.
How much will I pay in tolls?
Washington State Transportation Commission will set toll rates following the Washington Administrative Code process. Tolls will vary by the number of axels on a vehicles and day and time of travel.
What will the SR 520 tolls pay for?
Tolls collected will be used only for SR 520 improvements, operations and maintenance.
What if a driver doesn’t have a transponder?
Cameras will take license plate photos of vehicles without transponders and a bill will be sent to the owner without Good To Go! accounts who do not post pay within 72 hours. There is also the option of going online to pay the toll.
Was the original SR 520 bridge tolled?
Yes, the SR 520 bridge was tolled from the time it was completed in August 1963, until it was paid off in June 1979. The tolls generated approximately $60 million.
For more information, visit SR 520 tolling.