The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is conducting a survey of interstate drivers and people living around the freeway to help shape planned regional tolling. People can contribute their perspectives on three pricing models through midnight on October 9th, when the survey closes. The input received will assist planners as they refine the Regional Mobility Pricing Project, and the results will appear in the Environmental Assessment report currently in development.
ODOT is committed to implementing tolling as part of a long-term strategy to fund transportation improvements and improve traffic flow during peak usage times. There are two tolling projects under consideration. The I-205 Toll Project focuses on tolling at the Abernethy Bridge and is not part of this survey. Instead, questions focus on the Regional Mobility Pricing Project that proposes tolling portions of Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 in the Portland metro region. This plan would cost drivers using all lanes on the freeway with an all-electronic system during daytime hours of 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The three proposed tolling options aim to reduce bumper-to-bumper traffic, generate revenue, and meet regional climate goals. Designers are considering charging higher tolls during rush hours and in areas with more traffic. They will also work to create a discount for low-income travelers and provide a predictable schedule for road costs so people can plan trips around the varying rates. ODOT will design toll amounts and times to keep traffic moving at an average speed of 40 to 55 mph.
The first option presented in the survey uses a base toll amount charged to drivers when entering the freeway, and then additional fees are added when a driver passes through high-traffic toll points. The other two options use multiple tolling zones, with ODOT collecting a fee for each segment traveled through. Within the survey, ODOT acknowledges community concern regarding the impacts of drivers using streets near I-5 and I-205 to avoid paying a toll. They are considering techniques to mitigate tolling’s potential effects on neighborhoods. A question about prioritizing that work is on the survey.
Montavilla is bordered by I-205, and 82nd Avenue already shoulders some burden caused by freeway congestion. Consequently, neighborhood residents can provide ODOT valuable insight into what methods would work best for tolling and what priorities should factor into the design. The survey is available in other languages, and accessibility assistance is available.
Illustrated maps courtesy ODOT
Haga clic aquí para participar en la encuesta en español.
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For Americans with Disabilities Act or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information call 503-731-4128, TTY (800) 735-2900 or Oregon Relay Service 7-1-1.