ODOT Seeking Comment on Tolling Amendment

Last amended in 2012, the Oregon Department of Transportation's toll policies (primarily located in Goal 6 of the Oregon Highway Plan) are being updated by ODOT. From ODOT: "With Oregon moving multiple major toll projects in the Portland region forward while building a statewide supporting program, the Oregon Highway Plan, which identifies influential direction on the purpose and role of tolling, is in need of an update to address our current needs and goals for equity, climate, safety, a modern system, and sustainable funding."

This update is set to include:

Defining common terms (e.g. tolling, congestion pricing, value pricing, etc.)
Clarifying needs, goals for tolling and toll-based congestion pricing
Incorporating connections to equity and climate goals, initiatives, and targets
Providing guidance on rate setting and use of revenues (e.g. balancing highway and transit and multi-modal investment, low-income impacts, and diversion’s impact on neighborhood health and safety)

City of Wilsonville Impacts

Mayor Julie Fitzgerald (watch) and Councilor Joann Linville (watch) initiated discussion about the Oregon Highway Plan amendment (and the I-205 tolling plan) at the City's July 18 City Council meeting. Fitzgerald encouraged Wilsonville community members to provide public testimony on the record before Aug. 1, and recommended advocating for an auxiliary lane on the Boone Bridge to better serve residents of Charbonneau.

Review Draft Amendment, Provide Comment

The draft amendment (Goal 6: Tolling and Congestion Pricing) is available for review and comment. ODOT is receiving comments from community stakeholders until Sept. 15.

Public input is to inform the amendment as necessary. ODOT's stated goal is to have a final version ready for adoption later this year. Learn more at ODOT's project web page.

Public Meetings

July 20, 2022: ODOT hosted a virtual hearing on Wednesday, July 20 to allow public review and comment on the draft amendment to the Oregon Highway Plan, which is to guide the state's use of tolling as a way to raise funds for transportation system improvements. Councilor Joann Linville submitted on-the-record testimony noting the hardship on Charbonneau District residents could incur under the current draft plan.

From ODOT: "Modernizing these policies will provide a solid framework and context for ODOT and other agencies that wish to pursue toll-based congestion pricing. First up will be toll rate setting for the I-205 Toll Project, for which we are planning to start a rules advisory committee in late 2022."

June 30, 2022: an ODOT-hosted webinar provided some details about the OHP tolling amendment.