Oregon House approves tolling for Interstate 5 bridge replacement with Washington

The Oregon State Legislature convened on May 7, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2931, which focuses on the Interstate 5 bridge replacement program and its associated tolling system. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration between Oregon and Washington regarding the management of tolling for the new bridge.

The session began with a presentation emphasizing that House Bill 2931 does not introduce new policies on tolling but rather modernizes existing laws to align with the current interstate bridge project. The bill aims to solidify the partnership with Washington, ensuring that Oregon maintains its financial commitment of 50% towards the bridge replacement. The speaker clarified that the bill does not reinstate the congestion pricing program that was halted in 2023, nor does it allow for future tolling policies that could burden Oregonians.

Representative Evans expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting the benefits of a tolling program managed by Washington. He noted that many Oregon residents work in Vancouver, and the tolling system would ensure that those who travel from Washington to Oregon contribute to the infrastructure costs. He argued that a significant portion of traffic is from Washington, making the tolling arrangement advantageous for Oregon.

Conversely, Representative Drazen voiced opposition to the bill, citing concerns about the implications of tolling. She pointed out that while the bill may not explicitly introduce congestion pricing, it does allow for demand-based pricing, which could lead to higher costs for drivers during peak times. Drazen emphasized the need for careful consideration of how tolling is implemented, particularly regarding the long-term nature of the tolls beyond the construction phase.

The discussion underscored the complexities surrounding the bridge replacement project and the tolling system, with representatives weighing the benefits of infrastructure investment against the potential financial impact on drivers. The meeting concluded with further deliberation on the bill, as legislators continued to express their views on the proposed tolling measures and the future of the I-5 bridge project.