Free-Loading Lake Crossers, The Party's Over

If you want to repair the aging 520 bridge, you'll have to pay tolls. We knew that. But State Treasurer Michael Murphy says you'll need tolls both on I-90 and 520 to pay for the project--and he won't issue bonds needed to finance construction without them:

"I will not authorize the debt to be issued for a project that can't pay for itself," Murphy said. "In order for the thing to work, both bridges -- period -- need to be tolled, not parts of bridges, not certain lanes."

Murphy said it's time for lawmakers to face reality.

"Now push is coming to shove and decisions have to be made," he said. "I don't think anybody likes that idea of having to toll regionally as opposed to specifically. But the reality check is this: You can afford it or you can't afford it. If you can afford it, how are you paying for it?

Murphy's got credibility--he was an early and prophetic critic of the Seattle Monorail's financing plan. He's also the only guy who can issue the bonds. Without his say-so, the project won't happen.

The original I-90 bridge opened in 1940, tolls went away in 1946. 520 was a toll bridge from 1963-1979--the old toll plaza is now where you catch the bus. Oh well--it was fun while it lasted.

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By Seth in News on April 8, 2007 10:13 PM

Comments [rss]

Paul Henry

This needs to get nipped in the bud right away or it'll bring down the RTID this fall. A better idea would be to put tolls on the existing 520 bridge starting immediately and make up the rest of the money some other way.

Of course, that's not going to happen because our state's leaders are too chickenshit to ever conceive of undertaking any sort of public project without a vote.

Matt the Engineer

Tolls are no fun, but there are some bright sides:

1. The modern standard - RFID toll devices - have been proven to work well on toll roads across the country, and keep cars moving (in SF, I'd only have to slow down slightly at the toll area).

2. Tolls discourage driving. People come up with all kinds of reasons why it's ok for them to sit in a car for 2 hours a day. But nothing changes behavior like a lightening wallet. For one thing, it becomes quite obvious how cheap taking the bus really is.

drrew

It's also likely to make an incredible mess out of 522 to the North and 405 South for people who can't/won't pay the toll and will look for alternative routes.

There's no way in hell the idiots in charge of this State will do this properly.