We use cookies on our website.
Some of them are necessary for the functioning of the site, but you can decide about others.
Washington Launches Toll Route to Ease Freight Near Ports
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is set to open a new toll route on a section of the SR 509 Expressway aimed at improving freight movement by bypassing the congested I-5 corridor leading to the ports of Seattle and Tacoma. This toll road initiative is part of the larger Puget Sound Gateway Project designed to ease congestion and enhance connections between the ports, I-5, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The toll will be implemented starting September 29, covering a 3-mile segment with plans for an additional 2 miles to be completed by 2028. The toll structure varies based on vehicle types and times of day, with passenger vehicles charged between $1.20 and $2.40. Tolls collected will be utilized to fund operational and maintenance costs as well as contribute to the larger project budget of $2.83 billion.
Experts in transportation view this project as a critical step in addressing ongoing congestion issues that impact freight efficiency not just for the region but for national supply chains. Given the importance of the Port of Tacoma in managing a significant volume of international cargo, improving the connectivity and road infrastructure is expected to reduce delays and transportation costs over time, ultimately benefiting both the logistics industry and consumers relying on timely deliveries. The integration of electronic toll collection systems is also seen as a modern approach to managing traffic flow and funding public infrastructure.
The toll will be implemented starting September 29, covering a 3-mile segment with plans for an additional 2 miles to be completed by 2028. The toll structure varies based on vehicle types and times of day, with passenger vehicles charged between $1.20 and $2.40. Tolls collected will be utilized to fund operational and maintenance costs as well as contribute to the larger project budget of $2.83 billion.
Experts in transportation view this project as a critical step in addressing ongoing congestion issues that impact freight efficiency not just for the region but for national supply chains. Given the importance of the Port of Tacoma in managing a significant volume of international cargo, improving the connectivity and road infrastructure is expected to reduce delays and transportation costs over time, ultimately benefiting both the logistics industry and consumers relying on timely deliveries. The integration of electronic toll collection systems is also seen as a modern approach to managing traffic flow and funding public infrastructure.
Vehicle Guru