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Tolls planned for Abernethy Bridge; some drivers less than excited


FILE - Abernethy Bridge. (KATU File)
FILE - Abernethy Bridge. (KATU File)
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As early as next year, a major project is starting at Interstate 205 and the Abernethy Bridge.

But it's how the Oregon Department of Transportation is planning to pay for it that has drivers concerned.

The state has been working on a $700-million improvement project for the bridge.

Most of that funding is expected to come from the pockets of drivers through tolls.

Over 100,000 cars drive through the corridor every day.

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Drivers were thrilled about the improvement project. But now, after learning about it being funded by tolls, they're not as excited.

“No I didn't know that,” said Sage Sabey, a driver who lives around the area.

“We're very unhappy,” said another driver.

“I think that's ridiculous, to be honest. I mean, especially in Oregon City area, I don't think that should be a thing. Like at all,” said Elizabeth Robinson, another driver around the area.

KATU’s Frances Lin spoke with drivers near I-205 on Friday, and some have to drive on that bridge every day.

“We live right near where the section of tolling is going to be. We won't be able to go anywhere without paying a toll,” said a driver. “It's bad enough right now with the traffic during peak times or if there's an accident; we can tell almost immediately, because we see a steady stream of cars."

“That's a bummer, because I drive on that every day an hour to work. Every three days,” Sabey said.

“The toll program was approved through House Bill 2017,” said April DeLeon-Galloway, the I-205 improvements project public involvement and communications manager.

She said tolls are necessary to fund vital improvements.

“That project will make I-205 corridor earthquake ready, and it'll help manage, relieve congestion in the area,” she said.

She said improvements will also reduce the risk of rear-end crashes and lower air pollution from traffic jams.

The tolls will be an all-electronic system. This means drivers won't stop to pay.

They'll either have a transponder that connects to a pre-paid account or a camera will get the license plate and the driver will receive a bill.

The price of the tolls is not determined yet.

“Usually, the prices of tolls are determined about six months before tolls begin,” said DeLeon-Galloway.

ODOT is also considering other locations for possible tolls, including parts of I-5, like the Boone Bridge in Wilsonville.

The I-205 improvements project will start in mid-2022.

The tolls can be up as early as 2024.

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