Burkholder tosses ‘congestion pricing’ into I-5 bridge funding mix

Metro councilor thinks tolls could be an answer to local traffic, transportation concerns

By Richard D. Oxley

The Portland Tribune, Jun 27, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (41 Reader comments)

Metro Councilor Rex Burkholder presented his case Wednesday for the possible tolling of a new Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River as a solution to funding problems facing Portland.

Burkholder told members of the Columbia Corridor Association that variable pricing, or congestion pricing, should be considered as a potential solution to Portland’s transit problems.

“Because of high demand at peak hours, the system just collapses,” Burkholder said of the congestion that forms on Portland’s freeways.

The only possible congestion pricing use in the area right now would be for the new Interstate Bridge connecting Portland with Vancouver, Wash., Burkholder said, even though tolling other congested Portland-area roads is also a possibility.

Tolls have been discussed as part of the financing package for a new I-5 bridge. Burkholder said that the bridge would require an estimated $4 billion – more money than is available for the project.

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