Local News

Your guide to the latest news from around the Northwest

Drivers using the I-90 floating bridge have until Feb. 22 to air their suggestions about potential tolls, an idea nervous state leaders have pondered since 2008, and which will soon undergo environmental studies.

I-90 tolls are meant to reduce a $1.4 billion shortfall to replace the neighboring Highway 520 bridge, serving what the state deems to be a dual-bridge “Cross-lake corridor.”  And tolls would reduce I-90 congestion — which  increased in 2012 when some drivers diverted from the 520 toll bridge onto toll-free I-90.

Meetings next week are 4-7 p.m.:

• Tuesday, Jan. 29, Mercer Island Community Center, 8236 S.E. 24th St., Mercer Island

• Wednesday, Jan. 30, Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. N.E., Bellevue

• Thursday, Jan. 31, Yesler Community Center, 917 E. Yesler Way, Seattle

More information and an online comment page is at www.wsdot.wa.gov/tolling/i90/onlinescoping. Or submit comments by email at: I90EAcomments@wsdot.wa.gov, or postal mail to: Angela Angove, 999 Third Ave., Suite 2200, Seattle, WA 98104.

Another round of I-90 toll outreach is planned in November.