SR 99 Tunnel Tolls Begin Saturday: What You Need To Know

SEATTLE, WA — Beginning Saturday morning, drivers will be required to pay a toll to drive through the State Route 99 tunnel. The tunnel has been free since opening in February, while crews tore down the Alaskan Way viaduct and the state worked with a new vendor to set up the tolling system. Starting November 9th, travelers will pay between $1 and $2.25 using the Good To Go pass.

Tunnel rates will vary by time, with the cheapest prices on the weekend. During weekdays, the highest toll will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Those without a Good to Go pass can register their license plates, but a 25 cent fee will be added on to each toll. Drivers without a Good To Go account will pay an extra two dollars per trip.

The tolls are expected to have an impact on traffic, as WSDOT predicts thousands of Seattle drivers will choose surface streets over paying to drive through the tunnel. The Seattle Times reports more than 26,000 vehicles could funnel onto streets already gridlocked with traffic during peak hours. The day after tolling begins, the Seattle Sounders will play in front of a sold-out crowd at CenturyLink Field for the MLS Cup.

According to WSDOT, state law requires tolling on the tunnel to repay $200 million in construction bonds and for ongoing operating costs.