Oregon’s Metro Council recently approved amendments to the 2018 Regional Transportation Plan and the 2021-2026 Metro Improvement Program. The vote allows the I-205 Toll Project to proceed with an environmental assessment and further design work.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will present an analysis of a tolling and non-tolling alternative for the project. The environmental assessment will be completed this summer and made available for public review.
“ODOT appreciates the continued feedback and engagement from the members of the Metro Council and the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation,” Mandy Putney, ODOT Urban Mobility Office director of strategic initiatives, said. “Today’s vote ensures positive forward progress toward an equitable toll program for all travelers, and the vital safety and seismic improvements on I-205.”
The I-205 Toll Project will use variable-rate tolls on the Abernethy and Tualatin River Bridges. Revenue raised would be used to construct the planned I-205 Improvements Project and manage congestion between Stafford Road and Oregon Route 213.
Daily traffic jams on I-205 near Oregon City would drop significantly with the I-205 Toll Project, according to traffic analysis.
Before a toll program can be implemented, substantial analysis, public input, construction, testing and driver education must be completed.
Tolling might begin in late 2024.