The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is preparing to finalize toll rates and policies for the upcoming SR 509 and SR 167 Expressways, part of the Puget Sound Gateway Program.
Public input is being sought before rates are set in June 2025.
Tolling Timeline & Project Overview
Tolling will be implemented in phases, beginning in October, 2025 on the first mile of the SR 509 Expressway, which will eventually extend from South 188th Street in Burien to I-5 in SeaTac. The remaining segments of SR 509 are expected to open by 2028.
For SR 167, tolling will start in December, 2026 on an initial two-mile stretch. The expressway will ultimately connect N. Meridian Ave. in Puyallup to I-5 in Fife and I-5 to SR 509 near the Port of Tacoma, with full completion expected between 2027 and 2030.
Toll Rates Under Consideration
The Commission is evaluating various toll rate options, which will vary by time of day and direction of travel for two-axle vehicles, such as passenger cars, delivery vans, and pickup trucks. Proposed rates include:
| SR 509 Expressway1 | SR 167 Expressway1 | 3+ Axle Vehicle Toll Rates2 | Toll Escalation3 | Low-Income Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.20 to $2.40 | East of I-5 $1.20 to $3.00 West of I-5 $1 at all times of the day | For both facilities, either:A multiplier of the 2-axle toll rateSame toll rates as 2-axle vehicles | For both facilities, 2.15% annual toll rate increases, starting July 1, 2030 | Either:A 50% discount for qualifying households on the SR 509 Expressway4A system-wide low-income tolling discount program |
- Rates would vary by time of day and direction of travel on both expressways for two-axle vehicles such as passenger vehicles, delivery vans, and pickup trucks. An additional $2 would be charged to drivers without a Good To Go! account.
- Vehicles with three or more axles include semi-trucks, vehicles towing a trailer, and large buses.
- Toll escalation would be subject to Commission review and approval.
- Low-income residents with about 1 mile of the SR 509 completion project corridor would be eligible for 50% discount on the SR 509 Expressway.
Public Input Opportunities
Residents and commuters can provide feedback in several ways before the final toll rates are adopted in June:
- Online Open House: March 24 – April 6, 2025
- Virtual Public Input Meetings:
- April 1 (6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.) – Zoom Registration
- April 2 (12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.) – Zoom Registration
- Email: transc@wstc.wa.gov
- Phone: 360-705-7070
- Mail: PO Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308
Final toll rate proposals will be selected in April 2025, followed by a formal adoption hearing in June 2025.
Since the 509 – I-5 tie will add a substantial traffic (cargo hauling semi trucks) load by design thru Burien I’m totally fine with a toll much, much higher to discourage over use. It’s going to be non stop traffic cutting Burien in half, with all the associated noise, pollution and inevitable accidents. What exactly does Burien gain from this other than negative consequences to the community at large?