The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is still moving forward with a number of its big projects. The I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project and tolls. In about two years it will introduce the first highway tolls in the state. Two bridge tolls will be placed on Interstate 205. Also coming are the per-mile tolls on all lanes of Interstates 5 and 205 as well a toll to cross the Interstate Bridge over the Columbia River.
The I-205 Toll Project will add a third lane and provide seismic improvements to bridges on I-205 from Stafford Road to OR 213, and toll the Abernethy and Tualatin River Bridges.
Most roads are built with local, state or national government money raised from taxes. Portland, Oregon is no different. However, there won’t be any toll booths or coin buckets. Interstate 205 runs along the east side of Portland, intersecting several major highways. The tolling system will use devices to read stickers on drivers’ front windshields without stopping and then charge their account.
The Portland Medium has covered ODOT as it relates to the Raimore Construction company – a primary contractor of the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project. That company has presented a keen focus on high quality work, diversity in independent contractors, and a living wage for workers. Raimore is a Black-owned and operated company with a record of giving jobs to those who might think of tolls as a big burden.
Income was thought about when the tolls were being planned. Under laws passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2021, tolling plans must scale based on income. Some have given high marks to ODOT for its outreach to involve community groups and organization. In summer 2022, ODOT hosted over 40 briefings with local governments, policymakers, business leaders, non-profit leaders, and community representatives to provide early results from an environmental study and an opportunity for the community to ask questions about the new toll project.
The transportation agency’s preliminary plan would reduce toll prices for drivers based on household income relative to the federal poverty line. It breaks down to a two-person household making $73,240 or less or a four-person household making $111,000 or less wold see significant discounts. The closer to the poverty line the larger discount will be. Last year, ODOT said tolls for the Abernethy and Tualatin River bridges will be $2.20 per bridge during the busiest weekday hours.
