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2012 BRIDGE TOLL INCREASE

PORT APPROVES BRIDGE TOLL INCREASE

Tolls will increase on Hood River Interstate Bridge starting in 2012, the Hood River Port Commission decided Tuesday, Oct. 18, after months of study. The toll increase was dedicated to preserving the structure for up to 30 years. When it takes effect, it will be the bridge's first increase since 1994.

In its deliberation, the Port Commission was clear it wanted all increased toll revenues to be used for long-term bridge capital improvement and maintenance project designed to keep the bridge safe and operational until a replacement can be developed.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, cash bridge tolls will increase to $1 for one-way crossings; motorcycles will pay 75 cents. Trucks will pay $1 per axle.

Electronic tolling, or BreezeBy, users will receive a 25 percent discount and discount tickets will be available with a 20 percent reduction.

The adopted resolution limits increased tolls to projects specific to long-term bridge operation, and to supporting mass transit. These include capital projects, maintenance, operations and equipment.

The Port Commission began its bridge toll deliberations at a September meeting after receiving an engineering report outlining long-term capital and maintenance needs of the bridge, which opened in 1924. It began considering the new toll structure following Budget Committee recommendations to increase tolls over the past two years.

The HNTB Corporation-prepared engineering evaluation showed that the bridge has deficiencies but is in remarkably good condition for its age. Keeping the bridge functional and safe is dependent on an ongoing commitment to regular maintenance, inspections and repairs. These projects are expected to cost $30 million through 2040.

The Port is investing $2.8 million into the current painting project, which will protect the lower chords and gusset plates of the bridge from pack-rust corrosion. These fracture-critical steel connections must be regularly maintained to ensure the bridge's long-term strength and integrity. Future painting projects will be required.

Increased bridge tolls would offset costs of the painting projects and help build reserves for more maintenance, which will eventually include improvements to the approach structures, substructure piers and truss, decking, railing, the lift span and ongoing maintenance. The proposed toll increase is expected to contribute approximately $600,000 annually to help offset these increased costs that are expected to average $1 million a year.

The Port has participated in recent efforts by the SW Washington Regional Transportation Council to create a type, size and location study to replace the existing bridge with a new span. While the study is nearly complete and identifies a future bridge alignment and a potential design, needed federal funding is increasingly unlikely.

Alternative funding is limited. No gas tax proceeds are dedicated to the bridge, so tolls are the primary funding source.

To help mitigate the toll increase, the Port encourages regular bridge users to participate in BreezeBy electronic tolling, which provides a discounted rate compared to cash tolls. Motorists who establish secure BreezeBy accounts are able to roll through the toll plaza without stopping to pay toll. They are given a windshield transponder for their vehicle, and each time they cross the bridge the discounted toll is automatically deducted from their BreezeBy account.

The Port also is encouraging transit use. In summer 2011, Mt. Adams Transportation Service began regular bus routes between White Salmon/Bingen and Hood River. The Port is working with that agency to enhance bicycle crossings, including a recent offer to purchase bicycle racks for Mt. Adams Transportation vehicles.

Information regarding the bridge toll increase can be found at the links below:

2012 Bridge Toll Rates

Sept. 20, 2011 Port Public Presentation

Questions and Answers

Bridge Long-Term Preservation Modeling

SR-35 Columbia River Crossing Study

Klickitat County Regional Transportation Plan
(December 2011 Update)


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