Tolling to Begin Years Before Bridge Exists; Invoice Called Only Deliverable On Schedule

VANCOUVER — In Year 47 of Bridge Watch, the Interstate Bridge Replacement program has confirmed its first physical deliverable will be a bill.

Tolling on the Interstate 5 bridge begins in summer 2028 under scenarios ranging from $1.55 off-peak to $4.70 at peak — collected on the existing bridge, which will still be the existing bridge, as construction of its replacement is eyed for 2028 and completion for 2035.

“The tolling schedule is on time,” a program official said, describing the invoice as the one element of the program that has consistently hit its milestones.

The program is also exploring a commuter loyalty tier, under which the ten-thousandth toll earns a certificate and, for one day, a small plaque on the bridge that the tolls are funding the destruction of.

Commuter Renee Vasquez calculated she will pay roughly $1,100 a year to drive a structure every agency involved agrees must be destroyed. “I’m paying rent on a condemned building,” she said. “Toward the demolition.”

Reached for comment, the bridge did not respond. It has not responded since 1979.