Note: The Scoping Comment Period for the Regional Mobility Pricing Project is now closed. We received over 4,000 comments from across the region. All comments on these materials will be reviewed and summarized and will inform the environmental analysis.
For the most up to date information about the project, please visit the project webpage. General questions and comments can still be submitted through the general comment form.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) invited the public to give their input on an upcoming study about tolling I-5 and I-205 to reduce traffic congestion and make travel safer and more predictable through the Portland metropolitan area. A 50-day public comment period was open from November 18, 2022 to January 6, 2023.
This project, known as the Regional Mobility Pricing Project will study variable rate tolls as a key tool in ODOT's urban mobility strategy to reduce traffic jams and provide safer trips for travelers.
We are beginning an environmental analysis to identify the project's potential benefits and impacts. The start of the analysis is called “scoping" – and we're looking for your input to help shape the study.
What is scoping? The purpose of scoping is to invite input on the range or “scope" of community and environmental issues to study. Once complete, the results of the study will be published in a report called an Environmental Assessment.
Learn more: Watch a webinar recording
We recently hosted two webinars to share information and answer questions about the proposed concept for the Regional Mobility Pricing Project, issues that will be studied in the environmental analysis, how to comment, and next steps. Watch the recordings to learn about the project from our staff and hear answers to some common questions.
Más información: Ver grabación del webinar
Recientemente organizamos dos webinars para compartir información y responder preguntas sobre el concepto propuesto para el Proyecto Regional de Precios de Movilidad, temas que se estudiarán en el análisis ambiental, cómo compartir comentarios y los próximos pasos. Mire las grabaciones para conocer sobre el proyecto y escuche las respuestas del personal a algunas preguntas comunes.
Project area map
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What is the purpose of this project?
The Regional Mobility Pricing Project aims to use congestion pricing to reduce traffic congestion on I-5 and I-205 in the Portland metropolitan area in a manner that will generate revenue for transportation system investments.
Why is this needed?Traffic costs us – delays due to highway traffic jams were estimated to cost the Portland metropolitan area $1.2 million a day in lost time. Congestion pricing in combination with other solutions are needed because:
- Traffic is impacting our
quality of life and economy.
- Existing funding sources
aren't keeping up with transportation needs for modernization and maintenance.
- Traffic leads to more emissions and
contributes to climate change.
- The region is
lacking good transportation choices such as buses, light rail, bike and walking paths, and services.
- Our
transportation system has caused negative impacts to marginalized communities, contributing to inequities.
What are the expected benefits?
Learn more by reviewing the
Draft Purpose and Need Statement.
What else is planned to improve travel in the region?
Congestion pricing is a key tool in ODOT's overall
urban mobility strategy to reduce traffic jams and provide safer and more predictable trips for travelers on I-5 and I-205 in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area.
Two other toll projects are proposed in the Portland metropolitan area to raise revenue to fund construction of important improvements.
The I-205 Toll Project would add a missing third lane and provide seismic improvements to bridges on I-205 from Stafford Road to OR 213, and toll the Abernethy and Tualatin River Bridges. The Environmental Assessment for the I-205 Toll Project will be available for public review and comment in early 2023. Together, the I-205 Toll Project and the I-205 improvements will reduce congestion to give travelers a better and more reliable trip. Construction is underway on the first phase of the
I-205 Improvements Project to make the Abernethy Bridge the first earthquake-ready highway bridge across the Willamette River.
The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program assumes the new bridge will be tolled to pay for those improvements. The Interstate 5 Bridge is a critical connection between Oregon and Washington, supports local jobs, and is vital for regional, national, and international economies.
The Proposed Action describes the project concept we will study and how congestion pricing could work on I-5 and I-205. It has been informed by planning, public input, and analysis over the past several years.
Tolling
on all lanes of I-5 and I-205 in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Tolling all lanes, instead of a single express lane, would provide congestion relief and keep costs low for all drivers. Tolls are being studied on I-5 between the Columbia River and the Boone Bridge in Wilsonville and on I-205 from the Columbia River to where I-205 intersects with I-5 in Tualatin. The toll boundaries may be adjusted during or after the environmental analysis.
Tolls based on a set schedule: Drivers would know the toll rate in advance. A set schedule allows drivers to determine the cost of their trip ahead of time to plan their travel.
Tolls based on location and time of day. Toll rates would vary based on time of day and location, known as variable rate tolls. Drivers would be charged higher toll rates at congested locations during morning and afternoon rush hours and lower tolls at less congested locations during other times of day. Drivers would only pay for the portions of I-5 and I-205 they use.
Drivers would pay a toll through an
all-electronic collection system – Drivers would not stop to pay a toll.
Toll rates would be monitored and adjusted after tolling begins. The Oregon Transportation Commission will set toll rates.
The results from the environmental analysis will be published in a report called an Environmental Assessment, to help decision-makers, partner agencies, and the community understand the project's potential benefits and negative impacts. The Environmental Assessment is an important step to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and obtain a federal decision about tolling on I-5 and I-205. The Environmental Assessment will include:
- The purpose and need for the project.
- An overview of the project concept we will study (called a “proposed action").
- A description of the potential benefits and impacts of the proposed action, related to topics such as air quality, safety, traffic congestion, and rerouting on local streets.
- A summary of actions that will help reduce, avoid, or mitigate negative impacts.
Several groups provide guidance on this project and other tolling-related topics. You can find out more about these groups, attend their meetings, and review meeting materials by following the links below
Advancing equity
Equity is a priority for ODOT. Our goal is to create better solutions for those historically and currently excluded and underserved. We are:
About the Regional Mobility Pricing Project:
Congestion Pricing Concept:
Preparing an Environmental Assessment:
Public and Agency Engagement:
We recently hosted two webinars to share information and answer questions about the proposed concept for the Regional Mobility Pricing Project, issues that will be studied in the environmental analysis, how to comment, and next steps. Watch the recordings to learn about the project from our staff and hear answers to some common questions.
Más información: Ver grabación del webinarRecientemente organizamos dos webinars para compartir información y responder preguntas sobre el concepto propuesto para el Proyecto Regional de Precios de Movilidad, temas que se estudiarán en el análisis ambiental, cómo compartir comentarios y los próximos pasos. Mire las grabaciones para conocer sobre el proyecto y escuche las respuestas del personal a algunas preguntas comunes.
All comments on these materials will be reviewed and summarized and will inform the environmental analysis. In late 2023, FHWA and ODOT will share the Draft Environmental Assessment for public review and comment. We will continue to provide ongoing project updates and opportunities for involvement. The earliest tolling could begin under the Regional Mobility Pricing Project is late 2025.
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