A new toll system will begin operating Monday on a one-mile section of State Route 509 in western Washington, creating a new tolled route for drivers near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has confirmed that tolls will be collected in both directions on the new expressway portion of the highway.
The tolling applies specifically to the segment of SR 509 situated between Interstate 5 and 24th Avenue South. This initiative is the first phase of a larger infrastructure plan aimed at providing an alternative to the frequently congested I-5 corridor and improving freight access to regional ports and the airport.
Key Takeaways
- A new one-mile stretch of the SR 509 expressway will be tolled starting Monday.
- Toll rates will vary by time of day, ranging from $1.20 to $2.40 for vehicles with a Good To Go! pass.
- Drivers without a pass will be billed by mail and charged an additional $2 fee.
- The project is part of the larger Puget Sound Gateway Project, with a future extension planned for 2028.
- Revenue from the tolls will fund the road's operation and maintenance, as well as other transportation projects.
Details of the New Tolled Expressway
Starting this week, drivers using the newly constructed one-mile expressway on SR 509 will be required to pay a toll. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has specified that the tolls will be charged for travel in both directions at the ramps connecting to and from Interstate 5.
It is important for local commuters to understand that only the new expressway portion of SR 509 is subject to tolling. All pre-existing sections of SR 509 will remain free to use. The new tolled section officially opened to traffic in late June, but the tolling system is being activated now.
A Strategic Connection
This new one-mile road segment is more than just a local connector. It represents the first completed phase of the Puget Sound Gateway Project, a comprehensive, multi-stage initiative designed to enhance regional mobility and support economic activity by improving connections between key transportation hubs.
How Tolling Will Work
The tolling mechanism is fully electronic. There are no toll booths, meaning traffic will not be required to stop. Cameras and sensors mounted on overhead gantries will identify vehicles and process payments automatically.
Drivers with an active Good To Go! pass mounted on their vehicle will have the toll amount deducted from their prepaid account. Vehicles without a pass will have their license plates photographed, and a bill will be sent to the registered owner's address in the mail.
Toll Rates and Payment Information
The cost to use the new SR 509 expressway will fluctuate based on the time of day, a strategy known as dynamic or variable tolling. This approach is designed to manage traffic flow during peak hours.
For drivers using a Good To Go! pass, the toll rates are set as follows:
- Peak Hours: Tolls will be at their highest, costing up to $2.40.
- Off-Peak Hours: During less busy periods, the toll will decrease.
- Overnight: The lowest rate will be $1.20.
WSDOT has confirmed that there will be no exemptions for carpools on this particular toll road. All vehicles, regardless of the number of occupants, will be charged the posted rate.
Pay By Mail Surcharge
Drivers who do not have a Good To Go! account will face a higher cost. A bill will be sent by mail for the toll amount, plus an additional $2 administrative fee for each trip. This makes using a pass the most cost-effective option for regular users.
Part of a Larger Infrastructure Plan
The new tolled expressway is a critical component of the much larger Puget Sound Gateway Project. The ultimate goal of this project is to create a new north-south alternative route that bypasses a heavily congested section of I-5 in south King County.
According to WSDOT, the project will also establish a more efficient freight connection. It will link I-5 directly with the Port of Tacoma, the Port of Seattle, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is expected to reduce travel times for commercial trucks and improve the supply chain in the region.
Future Expansion Planned
Construction is already in progress on the next phase of the project. This next stage will extend the expressway by another two miles, connecting it to the current end of SR 509 at South 188th Street, which is located near the airport.
This second phase is a significant undertaking and is currently projected to open to traffic in 2028. Once complete, it will provide a more direct and continuous route for drivers traveling through the area.
Funding and Regional Toll Network
The revenue generated from the SR 509 tolls will serve multiple purposes. WSDOT states that the funds are essential for covering the ongoing costs of operating and maintaining the new roadway, ensuring it remains safe and in good condition.
Furthermore, a portion of the toll revenue will be used to help finance other transportation improvements that are part of the broader Puget Sound Gateway Project. This funding model allows for the construction of major infrastructure projects without relying solely on traditional tax revenue.
Washington's Growing Toll System
The SR 509 expressway joins a growing network of tolled facilities operated by WSDOT in the Puget Sound region. These roads and bridges use tolling to manage congestion, fund construction, or pay for maintenance. Other notable toll facilities include:
- The I-405 Express Toll Lanes
- The SR 167 high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes
- The SR 520 Bridge
- The SR 99 Tunnel
- The Tacoma Narrows Bridge
The addition of the SR 509 toll demonstrates a continued strategy by state transportation officials to use user fees as a primary tool for funding and managing key transportation corridors in one of the nation's busiest metropolitan areas.
