Today and tomorrow, the Washington State Transportation Commission will consider traffic and revenue results and projections for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the State Route 520 floating bridge as a first step in revising toll rates for 2015. The commission also will continue its work on developing proposed toll rates and policies for the I-405 express toll lanes, which are scheduled to open this fall. The meeting is being held in Olympia.

The commission will also hear reports on activities and research regarding a road usage charge, a potential long-term sustainable funding source for transportation infrastructure. Under this approach, the per-gallon gas tax could be replaced with a per-mile charge for usage of the roads in the future. The State Treasurer’s Office will present a report to the commission on possible financing implications of such a change.

The commission will take up tolling work, with a focus on identifying key policies and the possible toll rates for the I-405 express toll lanes between Bellevue and Lynnwood. The lanes allow drivers who do not meet the HOV requirement to pay a toll to access the lanes at rates that vary depending on traffic flow.

The commission will likely release its toll rate proposal in February, at which time it will launch a full public review and input process, prior to making any final decisions on policies or rates.

On Thursday, the commission will discuss transportation policy and budget items under consideration in the 2015 legislative session, including Gov. Jay Inslee’s 2015 transportation budget and policy proposal, the Department of Licensing’s budget and policy agenda, an overview of the Department of Ecology’s oil transportation study, and the Joint Transportation Committee’s study of ways to expand the state’s electric vehicle charging network.

For more, visit www.wstc.wa.gov/.

Watch it online

Watch the Washington State Transportation Commission meeting as well as other hearings and Legislative activities on http://www.tvw.org.