Kenmore Tolling of 520 Detour Off Table For Now

No tolls for now, says the Kenmore Transportation Benefit District Board, though the city continues to research how it will replace an aging bridge seeing increased use after the start of the State Route 520 tolls.

The Kenmore transportation board, concerned about the condition of the Sammamish River Bridge as an increased number of motorists use it, decided it will gather more information on the condition of the bridge before considering tolling. A report is due in the first part of 2013.

Kenmore officials expressed .

At a meeting on Monday, Oct. 22, the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) Board discussed tolling and other funding options for the TBD. The Board agreed to gather more information on the condition of the Sammamish River Bridge and not continue researching tolling at this time, according to a press release from the city.

The city said it is working with the county to conduct a new load rating study, an update of the bridge monitoring plan, and additional analysis of the pilings and the superstructure (bridge deck and girders) in order to create a short-term maintenance plan. The County is anticipated to provide a findings report during the first quarter of 2013, according to the city.

The city points out that federal grants and other funding, instead of tolling, are other options to pay for replacing the Sammamish River Bridge.

According to the press release, if the Board considered tolling as a way to pay for the bridge, a free pass or low toll would likely be considered for Kenmore residents and it would need to go to Kenmore voters for approval.