This year has brought big changes for our projects planned for I-205 in the southern Portland metro area.
Below we share an update on the environmental review process for the I-205 Toll Project, responses to public comments received in 2023, and what’s next for our work.
Environmental Review & Public Comments
Earlier this year, we published the I-205 Toll Project Environmental Assessment in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, followed by a 60-day public comment period. The Environmental Assessment described the effects of using variable rate tolls on the Abernethy Bridge and Tualatin River Bridges to raise revenue for the I-205 Improvements Project.
We received 2,800 public comments and identified 22 general themes that were frequently expressed. Examples include:
- Concerns about increased congestion on local streets and alternative routes to I-205 due to drivers avoiding tolls, known as diversion.
- A desire to understand why current taxes and other sources of funding aren’t enough to fund the transportation system.
- Wanting clarity on how the toll revenue will be used now and in the future.
- Concerns about equity and the impact of tolling on community members.
Visit the website to view all of the public comments, a full engagement summary, and responses to frequently received comments:
Changes to the I-205 Toll Project Scope
In May 2023, after we had completed the 2023 Environmental Assessment comment period, Gov. Tina Kotek directed ODOT to delay toll collection on I-205 and I-5 until 2026. With the delay in toll revenue and increasing construction costs, we reduced the scope of the I-205 Toll Project and some of the associated construction improvements on I-205 to better manage available funds. Now the I-205 Toll Project proposes tolling only at the Abernethy Bridge to help repay a portion of the Abernethy Bridge construction costs. These changes were outlined in the finance plan for all Urban Mobility Strategy projects.
What's next?
In response to comments from agencies and community members on the 2023 Environmental Assessment, and because of the reduced I-205 Toll Project scope, we’re preparing a Supplemental Environmental Assessment for release in 2024. The Supplemental Environmental Assessment will be based on a revised Project Description and revised Purpose and Need statement. The revised I-205 Toll Project Description states:
The revised Project (Revised Build Alternative) is the implementation of tolling at the Abernethy Bridge. Under the Revised Build Alternative, drivers of vehicles on I-205 would be assessed a toll for crossing the Abernethy Bridge (between OR 43 and OR 99E). Toll gantries and supporting infrastructure would be located entirely within the existing I-205 right-of-way at the OR 43/I-205 interchange.
For the Supplemental Environmental Assessment, we’re making adjustments to our analysis to reflect some of the comments we received. The public will have another opportunity to provide input and comment on the Supplemental Environmental Assessment in 2024.
You are always welcome to share your thoughts with us:
About the Oregon Toll Program
Tolling is part of ODOT’s long-term strategy to help pay for transportation improvements and provide faster, more efficient trips through the Portland metro region. The Oregon Toll Program consists of two toll projects in development: the I-205 Toll Project and the Regional Mobility Pricing Project. The Interstate Bridge Replacement Program is also proposing tolls as a source of funding and congestion management.
Project information and input opportunities are open to everyone
For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/ interpretation services, or more information call 503-731-4128 or Oregon Relay Service 7-1-1.
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The information in this document, and the public and agency input received, may be adopted or incorporated by reference into the environmental review process to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.
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