Traffic and toll revenue on track for SR- 520, SR-167 this year

Traffic and revenue are meeting or exceeding expectations on the State Route 520 floating bridge while the popularity of the State Route 167 High Occupancy Toll lanes continues to rise, according to year-end financial statements.

“This data shows that tolling can provide a big lift to keep traffic moving while generating revenue for future improvements,” said Craig Stone, WSDOT Toll Division director. “Drivers are also learning that tolling can help provide a more reliable trip.”

Average daily traffic across the SR-520 floating bridge in 2012 has been 18 percent higher than expected. Weekend traffic across the bridge has steadily increased as well, with usage rates 36 percent more than anticipated. Even with the higher traffic volumes, drivers are saving about six minutes from their pre-toll travel times.

“Most importantly, we’re ahead of the financial plan,” said Stone. “That keeps us on track to make debt payments to replace the vulnerable floating bridge.”

WSDOT also reports traffic along SR-167 HOT lanes is flowing more efficiently, with volumes tripling since May 2008 while maintaining 60-mph traffic speeds. During weekday, peak-hour travel, HOT lane drivers saved about six minutes of travel time by paying an average toll of $1.75.

“Not everyone uses them every day, but the HOT lanes are there when people need them,” said Stone.

Tolling on SR-520 is expected to raise $1 billion overall toward the $4.65 billion SR-520 bridge replacement and HOV program, which builds 12.8 miles of safety and mobility improvements from Interstate 5 in Seattle to State Route 202 in Redmond.

The existing SR 520 floating bridge opened to traffic in 1963, and is vulnerable to sinking during a severe storm after weathering decades of wind and waves.

The target date to open the new bridge to traffic is December 2014.

 

Contact Mercer Island Reporter Staff Reporter Staff at editor@mi-reporter.com.

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