Public comment period is open from Nov. 18 to Jan. 6, 2023.
For immediate release: November 18, 2022
Contact: Jenny Cherrytree, (503) 307-3729, jenny.cherrytree@odot.oregon.gov
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) invites the public to comment on an upcoming study about tolling I-5 and I-205 to reduce traffic congestion and make travel times more predictable through the Portland metro area.
This effort, known as the Regional Mobility Pricing Project, will study variable rate tolls as part of ODOT’s urban mobility strategy to reduce traffic jams and provide safer trips for travelers.
The 50-day public comment period is now open.
Variable rate tolls are a type of congestion pricing, which improves mobility and provides more predictable travel times by charging a higher price during peak traffic periods and congested locations. In addition to these benefits, this type of tolling will:
- Increase safety as traffic jams shrink
- Improve the flow of goods to and from market
- Raise sustainable revenue to preserve and improve the transportation system
- Reduce carbon emissions to support reaching the state’s climate goals
This month, ODOT begins the federal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process by identifying the project’s potential benefits and negative impacts. The start of the process is called “scoping,” a comment period to solicit input on the range or scope of community and environmental issues to study.
Our work to date has been informed by thousands of public comments from dozens of community conversations through briefings, workshops and discussion groups. In late 2023, ODOT will publish the Draft Environmental Assessment for public review and comment. Completing and publishing the results of the analysis in the Environmental Assessment is an important step to meet federal requirements and obtain a federal decision about tolling on I-5 and I-205. The earliest tolling could begin for the Regional Mobility Pricing Project is late 2025.
Other proposed tolls in the Portland area include the Abernethy and Tualatin River bridges on I-205 and the Interstate Bridge Replacement on the Columbia River. Each of these projects will have its own public comment period as well.
Join a webinar
We will share information and answer questions about the proposed concept for tolling I-5 and I-205. We will introduce considerations that will be studied, how to comment and next steps at two webinars.
- Webinar # 1 – Tuesday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Click this link to join the Zoom Webinar. Telephone dial in by phone: +1 346 248 7799 Webinar ID: 824 4095 7204
- Webinar # 2 – Wednesday, Nov. 30, 4-5 p.m. Click this link to join the Zoom Webinar. Telephone dial in by phone: +1 719 359 4580 Webinar ID: 861 6446 4157
The webinars will take place on Zoom, and you can join online or by phone. Each webinar will present the same information. No RSVP is needed. These meetings will also be livestreamed on ODOT's YouTube Channel.
Learn more and share your voice!
Review information and materials here. Please let us know your comments and interests This is an opportunity to provide input on how tolling can work best for you and your community. You will be able to comment on things like the project’s purpose, as well as the proposed project concept and primary issues to be studied in the environmental analysis (such as traffic congestion, transportation safety, social equity, economic impacts, and vehicle rerouting). Submit comments in the way that works best for you by Friday, Jan. 6, 2023:
Oregon Department of Transportation
Attn: Oregon Tolling Team – Scoping Comment
123 NW Flanders Street
Portland, Oregon, 97209
All comments will be reviewed and will inform the environmental analysis. We will continue to provide ongoing project updates and opportunities for involvement. The earliest tolling could begin for the Regional Mobility Pricing Project is late 2025.
Report on public input from spring 2022 now available
We received over 12,000 responses to our online survey and heard from nearly 80 discussion group participants from historically underserved communities and community-based organizations. Community perspectives helped to:
- Shape the proposed project concept
- Understand ways to design a toll discount or credit for people experiencing low incomes
- Identify other ways to make this change work for the Portland metropolitan region
The full report provides more detail on what we heard. In response, ODOT is taking the following steps:
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Considering a toll discount for households with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Considering smaller, more focused discounts for households with incomes above 200% and up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Continuing to work with transit providers on a strategy to enhance transit and transportation services
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Studying topics of concern during the environmental assessment process as well as identifying the best way to minimize any impacts
- Seeking guidance from advisory committees
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Sharing information and continuing to gather input as more details are known through project planning and analysis
Project information and input opportunities are open to everyone
For Americans with Disabilities Act or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information call 503-731-4128, TTY (800) 735-2900 or Oregon Relay Service 7-1-1.
Si desea obtener información sobre este proyecto traducida al español, sírvase llamar al 503-731-4128. Nếu quý vị muốn thông tin về dự án này được dịch sang tiếng Việt, xin gọi 503-731-4128. Если вы хотите чтобы информация об этом проекте была переведена на русский язык, пожалуйста, звоните по телефону 503-731-4128. 如果您想了解这个项目，我们有提供简体中文翻译，请致电：503-731-4128.
The information in this document, and the public and agency input received, may be adopted or incorporated by reference into a future environmental review process to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.
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