The amendments add the I-205 preliminary engineering phase to regional transportation plans, allowing an environmental assessment and design activities to proceed
April 26, 2022
Contact: Tia Williams, Communications Director, ODOT's Urban Mobility Office, (971) 378-4295, Tia.WILLIAMS@odot.oregon.gov
Portland, Ore. – Today, the Metro Council approved amendments to the 2018 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), and the 2021-2026 Metro Improvement Program (MTIP) to add the preliminary engineering phase of the I-205 Toll Project to the guiding regional transportation documents. The vote allows the project to proceed with an environmental assessment and further design work.
The I-205 Toll Project will use variable-rate tolls on the Abernethy and Tualatin River Bridges to raise revenue to complete the I-205 Improvements Project and to reduce congestion.
Previously, the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation recommended the Metro Council approve the amendments.
“ODOT appreciates the continued feedback and engagement from the members of the Metro Council and the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation. Today’s vote ensures positive forward progress toward an equitable toll program for all travelers, and the vital safety and seismic improvements on I-205,” said Mandy Putney, ODOT’s Urban Mobility Office Director of Strategic Initiatives. “We look forward to continued engagement with stakeholders throughout the region as we work to bring these projects to fruition.”
ODOT is moving forward with the development of the I-205 Toll Project Environmental Assessment. It will present an analysis of two alternatives: the Build Alternative (tolling) and the No Build Alternative. The Environmental Assessment will be available for public review and comment this summer.
Early results from traffic analysis show daily traffic jams on I-205 near Oregon City would drop significantly with the I-205 Toll Project.
About the project
The I-205 Toll Project would toll I-205 near the Abernethy and Tualatin River Bridges to raise revenue for construction of the planned I-205 Improvements Project and manage congestion between Stafford Road and Oregon Route 213 to give travelers a better and more reliable trip.
Tolls could begin on I-205 as early as late 2024. The process to implement a toll program requires substantial analysis, public input, construction, testing and driver education before the system can be operational. An Environmental Assessment for the I-205 Toll Project will be published for public review and comment this summer.
Learn more about the project and sign up for email updates at: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/tolling/Pages/I-205-Tolling.aspx
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