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WSDOT updates Kent on SR 509 Gateway progress; first mile open for trial use
Summary
Washington State Department of Transportation officials told Kent council the first mile of the SR 509 expressway is open and will operate tolling on a time‑of‑day schedule after a testing period; toll rates will range from $1.20 to $2.40 across the three‑mile corridor and a low‑income toll policy is scheduled for late 2026.
Representatives of the Puget Sound Gateway Program updated Kent City Council on June 30 about the SR 509 completion schedule, tolling policy and community outreach as Washington State prepares to open additional segments.
Why it matters: Kent's economy depends heavily on freight and distribution; SR 509 is intended to improve freight access between deepwater ports, the airport and Kent Valley businesses. Tolling and traffic patterns could affect local road use and freight mobility.
John White, program administrator for the Puget Sound Gateway Program, said the first mile of the 509 expressway is open to drivers now. "You can go and drive that first mile now," White said, and WSDOT will run a testing period. He said the program…
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