Tolling will finally start for drivers taking the SR 99 tunnel that replaced the Alaskan Way Viaduct. On November 9, a trip beneath the city will cost $1–$4.25 depending on time of day and whether you have a Good To Go! pass.
Base rate
Weekends, nighttime, and morning commutes are all pretty comparable, but the weekday after-work rush hour will get pricey.
Weekends
- Any time: $1
Weekdays
- 6–7 a.m.: $1.25
- 7–9 a.m.: $1.50
- 9 a.m –3 p.m.: $1.25
- 3–6 p.m.: $2.25
- 6–11 p.m.: $1.25
- 11 p.m.–6 a.m.: $1
Extra fees
- Extra $2 per trip if you don’t have a Good To Go! account
- Extra 25 cents per trip if you (a) have a Good To Go! account and (b) registered your license plate, but don’t have a Good To Go! pass on your windshield
Effects on traffic
WDOT expects at least 1,700 drivers to stop using the SR 99 tunnel once tolling starts. But they also anticipate, based on traffic patterns for the 520 Bridge, that drivers will gradually increase over time.
Why toll at all?
The Legislature requires WSDOT to collect tolls to repay the $200 million in construction bonds borrowed to build the tunnel, as well as to fund the ongoing operating costs. This is just one part of the tunnel’s total $3.3 billion pricetag.
What about Alaskan Way?
A new Alaskan Way will appear in 2021. This road will, in theory, give drivers more options and make routes through and or into downtown easier.
