A plan to toll Portland highways is dead — but tolling is still on the table

Oregon's plans for tolling Portland-area freeways have been abruptly halted by Governor Tina Kotek, who cited a lack of clear benefits and mounting public opposition. The governor's decision effectively kills one tolling effort aimed at curbing rush hour congestion on Interstates 5 and 205 and pauses another proposal to toll a single bridge on I-205 for seismic upgrades. This decision marks a significant setback for tolling plans that the state has been developing for seven years and has already spent $61 million on. However, transportation officials insist that tolling remains on the table for future legislative discussions, as lawmakers are expected to reshape Oregon's transportation funding system in the coming years. Despite the setback, plans to pay for a new Interstate Bridge with tolls seem largely unaffected, with Washington state expected to administer tolls for the bridge. The governor's move comes amid mounting political pressure against tolling, particularly in Clackamas County, where residents have expressed concerns about the financial impact and increased traffic on local roads. Kotek's decision has raised questions about the funding for ongoing seismic retrofits, which were reliant on toll revenue. However, some lawmakers view the governor's announcement as a prudent step as they work to address Oregon's long-term transportation funding crisis.
Read more at Oregon Public Broadcasting.