Start of 520 Tolling Pushed to June

The State Route 520 bridge will be toll-free for a few weeks longer than planned because of equipment testing, a spokeswoman with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said Monday.

The start of tolling is not expected to start until at least June, said Janet Matkin, WSDOT's toll communications manager.

"We’ve been saying late spring, but we decided that it would be June at the earliest," Matkin said.

According to Matkin, the start date has been delayed because of equipment testing. Crews have now finished installing all the tolling equipment, she said, but workers still need to test all the system's electronic interfaces to make sure everything works together properly.

Matkin said the delay in tolling, which was previously expected to start sometime in April, will not affect the timeline for construction of a new 520 bridge.

“What it would mean is simply the bonds that we purchase would be paid off later,” she said.

Friday is the last day for drivers to receive $10 in toll credits for buying a Good To Go toll pass. The passes can be purchased online, over the phone, at participating Safeway stores or at a WSDOT mobile booth.

Drivers will still be able to purchase Good To Go passes up until and after tolling begins, Matkin said.