Tolls on 520 bridge as soon as 2009?

A toll might be placed on the existing Highway 520 floating bridge as early as 2009, as part of a traffic-reduction strategy that includes more buses, expanded Eastside park-and-ride lots, and more telecommuting.

Tolls could also help pay for a proposed six-lane replacement bridge, to be completed in about a decade.

The "congestion-pricing" plan hinges on winning a federal grant being sought by King County and the state Department of Transportation, which have applied for more than $150 million in grants. The Highway 520 corridor is one of nine finalists in the $1.1 billion federal Urban Partners program; five metro areas will win grants.

County officials today mentioned a scenario in which drivers would pay an average $2 a crossing, or $4 per round trip, but prices would vary according to the time of day.

"When you put a cost on that, people become far more efficient on the use of that corridor," said County Executive Ron Sims, who emphasized that transit alternatives are crucial.

Tolling authority rests not with the county, but with the Washington State Transportation Commission.

Tolling equipment would allow drivers to pay on the move electronically, without stopping at a toll booth, Sims said. Similar technology will be used when the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge opens next month.

Mike Lindblom: 206-515-5631 or mlindblom@seattletimes.com