When will tolls begin on 520 bridge?

As the Washington State Department of Transportation continues to test tolling equipment on the State Route 520 bridge, the start date remains up in the air. When the Legislature authorized tolls on the bridge the initial estimate had them beginning as early as April. The opening date was then pushed back to the summer, with the earliest possible opening point being sometime in June. Now the earliest possible time is July.

June 3, 2011 7:00 pm

As the Washington State Department of Transportation continues to test tolling equipment on the State Route 520 bridge, the start date remains up in the air.

When the Legislature authorized tolls on the bridge the initial estimate had them beginning as early as April. The opening date was then pushed back to the summer, with the earliest possible opening point being sometime in June. Now the earliest possible time is July.

WSDOT Tolling Department Spokeswoman Janet Matkin said the timeframe for beginning tolls has not changed. WSDOT did not specify an opening date because it was unclear how long testing the equipment would take.

Drivers hoping to use the SR-520 bridge would have to pay variable rates that rise as high as $3.50 during peak hours with a Good to Go pass. Those without the pass will be mailed bills with an extra $1.50 charge attached.

Matkin said a malfunction on tolling equipment on the Tacoma Narrows bridge that was leading to fines for drivers who crossed legally is not affecting the implementation of tolls on SR-520 at this point.