The same day that the brand new State Route 520 bridge opened to commuters, state officials said they want to charge more for vehicles crossing.

On Monday, April 11, the Washington State Transportation Commission released a proposal to raise toll rates for vehicles crossing the 520 bridge by five percent.

This is less than a previously discussed double-digit ride in tolls. According to data provided by the commission, the bridge is required to generate $1.2 billion in toll revenue to cover a portion of the structure’s cost.

The bridge had a budget of $4.56 billion and west side portions are still under construction.

Original planning for the new bridge had estimated toll rates might need to be raised by as much as 15 percent in 2016.

After reevaluating, the commission decided a proposed rate of five percent would meet funding needs.

For motorists traveling during peak-traffic hours (7 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays) using a Washington State Department of Transportation “Good To Go!” pass, rates will rise from $3.90 a crossing to $4.10 in 2016 and to $4.30 in 2017 in the proposed rate hike.

Additionally, late night tolling would begin, charging drivers $1.25 between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Currently, drivers can cross the bridge for free during those hours.

If the commission’s recommended rates pass, they will go into effect July 1 in 2016 and 2017. The commission is providing opportunity for community input at two meetings.

Bellevue residents can get more information and provide comments on the proposal at a public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 at Bellevue City Hall. The other meeting is earlier that day from noon to 2 p.m. at Union Station in Sound Transit’s board room.

The final meeting where the Washington State Transportation Commission will act on the rate changes will be at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17 at the Washington State Department of Transportation headquarters in Olympia.