Public comment period is open until Jan. 6, 2023
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) invites the public to comment on an upcoming study about tolling I-5 and I-205 to reduce traffic congestion and make travel times more predictable through the Portland metro area.
This effort, known as the Regional Mobility Pricing Project, will study variable rate tolls as part of ODOT’s urban mobility strategy to reduce traffic jams and provide safer trips for travelers.
The 50-day public comment period is now open.
Variable rate tolls are a type of congestion pricing, which improves mobility and provides more predictable travel times by charging a higher price during peak traffic periods and congested locations. In addition to these benefits, this type of tolling will:
- Increase safety as traffic jams shrink
- Improve the flow of goods to and from market
- Raise sustainable revenue to preserve and improve the transportation system
- Reduce carbon emissions to support reaching the state’s climate goals
This month, ODOT begins the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process by identifying the project’s potential benefits and negative impacts. The start of the process is called “scoping,” a comment period to solicit input on the range or scope of community and environmental issues to study.
Our work to date has been informed by thousands of public comments from dozens of community conversations through briefings, workshops and discussion groups. In late 2023, ODOT will publish the Draft Environmental Assessment for public review and comment. Completing and publishing the results of the analysis in the Environmental Assessment is an important step to meet federal requirements and obtain a federal decision about tolling on I-5 and I-205. The earliest tolling could begin for the Regional Mobility Pricing Project is late 2025.
Other proposed tolls in the Portland area include the Abernethy and Tualatin River bridges on I-205 and the Interstate Bridge Replacement on the Columbia River. Each of these projects will have its own public comment period as well.
Join a webinar
We will share information and answer questions about the proposed concept for tolling I-5 and I-205. We will introduce considerations that will be studied, how to comment and next steps at two webinars.
- Webinar 1 – Tue., Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Click this link to join the Zoom Webinar. Telephone dial in by phone: +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 824 4095 7204
- Webinar 2 – Wed., Nov. 30, 4-5 p.m. Click this link to join the Zoom Webinar. Telephone dial in by phone: +1 719 359 4580 Webinar ID: 861 6446 4157
The webinars will take place on Zoom, and you can join online or by phone. Each webinar will present the same information. No RSVP is needed. These meetings will also be livestreamed on ODOT’s YouTube Channel.
Also read:
- Opinion: John Ley pens letter to Transportation Secretary Pete ButtigiegJohn Ley challenges the I-5 Bridge Replacement project, urging Secretary Pete Buttigieg to reconsider federal funding.
- Marie Gluesenkamp Perez submits I-5 Bridge public commentRep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez pushes for extended I-5 Bridge public comment period.
- Expect nighttime delays on southbound I-5 near Woodland, Nov. 19Expect delays on southbound I-5 near Woodland on Nov. 19 for lane repairs improving driving safety on the North Fork Lewis River Bridge.
- Washington state still grappling with ongoing EV charging challengesWashington state faces challenges meeting demand for EV charging infrastructure, with an estimated need of 3 million ports by 2035.
- Northbound Interstate Bridge will close Monday, Nov. 18 for maintenanceNorthbound lanes on the Interstate Bridge will close Monday night for maintenance, reopening early Tuesday.