Motorists navigating through SeaTac, get ready to shell out a bit more on your commute. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) stamped September 29 as the day tolling kicks in for the SR 509 Expressway. Starting bright and early at 5 a.m. next Monday, drivers will pay tolls between Interstate 5 and 24th Avenue South, with fees tethering between $1.20 and $2.40, depending on when you hit the road, as reported by Washington State Department of Transportation.
Ready your wallets because every vehicle, no exceptions for carpools, will be taxed at the new I-5 on- and off-ramps. Those sporting a Good To Go! pass get the sweetest deal on toll rates, whereas account-less drivers receive a bill in the mail post-trip, carrying an extra $2 fee per use. Washington State Department of Transportation's push for early account sign-ups anticipates a surge in call volumes and possible extended wait times in late September, early October, as procrastinators scramble to get their passes.
The inaugural mile of this expressway launched back on June 28. By 2028, Washington State Department of Transportation expects two more miles will join the fray, stretching SR 509 even further from South 188th Street to the aforementioned 24th Avenue in SeaTac. Old routes remain free of charge, with only the expressway's fresh pavement demanding this toll tribute.
The toll game is Washington State Department of Transportation's move, not only to offset the new road's operational and upkeep expenses, but also to pour funds into the sprawling Puget Sound Gateway Project. The goal is to raise a hefty $213.2 million slice of the project's staggering $2.83 billion pie. If you are caught in the toll web, fear not, WSDOT encourages drivers to hit up MyGoodToGo.com, snag a promo code from GoodToGo509.com for a complementary Sticker Pass, while supplies last, and steer clear of the extra charge.
For those looking to dodge the congestion of customer service lines and ensure smooth sailing, a Good To Go! account is your best bet. Swing by the website or dial 866-936-8246 to grab a piece of that uncluttered, hassle-free road life. With options ranging from simple credit card file setups to prepaid balances that refill themselves, there's a suitable path for every traveler seeking to traverse the SR 509 without the extra fiscal fuss.
