In 2022, the Washington State Legislature directed the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) in Section 205 of the Supplemental Transportation Budget to conduct a study to assess the viability of tolling in order to support the cost of building a new Hood River Bridge. The WSTC began work on this study in August 2022 and will provide the final report to the Legislature in June 2023.
To conduct this study the WSTC will collect and analyze existing traffic, revenue, and cost data in support of modeling potential toll rates and policies for a new Hood River Bridge that could meet expected funding needs. This information will inform future funding and policy decisions with an expectation of follow-up analysis necessary prior to implementation of toll rates and policies for a new bridge.
Key Local Partners
As this study is advanced, the WSTC is working closely and collaborating with two key partners:
- Port of Hood River who owns and operates the current bridge, and
- Bridge Replacement Bi-State Working Group, the coalition of local partners leading efforts to design, build and fund a new Hood River Bridge.
Study Milestones & Schedule
- November 17 – December 15, 2022: WSTC conducted travel survey to gather travel information from motorists who use the bridge to inform the study.
- December 2022 – January 2023: WSTC approves up to eight preliminary tolling scenarios for further analysis.
- March 2023: WSTC approves two refined tolling scenarios for further analysis.
- May 2023: Draft study findings and recommendations presented to the WSTC.
- June 2023: Final report of findings and recommendations presented to the WSTC and submitted to the Washington State Legislature.
Ways to Get Involved
- Provide written feedback: Online comment form.
- Email the WSTC: transc@wstc.wa.gov .
- Monitor this page: More information will be posted in the future.
- Attend WSTC meetings: This study will be on future Commission meeting agendas. You can provide your thoughts during the public comment period at those meetings.