LOC News
Abernethy Bridge Tolling on Hold Until 2026
HB 3614 was dropped last week by a number of legislators concerned about how tolling would be rolled out to pay for a portion of the Abernethy Bridge and additional lanes along I-205. The legislation effectively delays any tolling until 2026 and forms a task force to examine the future rollout of tolling.
While HB 3614 did not get a hearing, pressure from legislators representing communities along I-205 was enough to result in legislative leadership and Governor Kotek releasing a statement that will delay tolling collections until 2026. A Special Subcommittee on Transportation Planning has been named to examine the use of tolling and bring back recommendations to the 2025 Legislature. At this time, it’s not known what overall role this committee will play in future planning or the use of tolling to fund other transportation projects.
The impacts of the tolling delay are not certain. What does appear to be a partial impact is that the Abernethy Bridge project will continue. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has no plans to cancel this contract, so instead it will be backfilling the revenue lost by the lack of tolling revenue with other funds. This revenue is likely to come from future planned projects associated with I-5 Rose Quarter, extra lanes on I-205, and the Boone Bridge, all of which will be impacted. Local revenue sharing from the State Highway Fund (SHF) is not at risk at this time, but ODOT’s share of that funding will be at risk dependent on the outcome of the special subcommittee.
Contact: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director - jmccauley@orcities.org
Last Updated 5/5/23