Transportation Commission to roll out SR 520 floating bridge toll rate proposal in Bellevue meeting

The state Transportation Commission will release its proposed toll rates for the SR 520 floating bridge at its meeting next week in Bellevue. The commission will seek comments on the proposal through Jan. 5, 2011. The state intends to begin collecting tolls on the bridge in spring 2011 to help pay for a new SR 520 floating bridge and make improvements from Medina to Bellevue.

The commission is holding an all-day meeting on Nov. 16, at Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, to discuss local transportation issues and challenges. The final draft toll proposal will be presented at 3 p.m. by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The proposal was developed under the guidance of the commission during the past several months. The commission will take comments at this meeting and will follow with other public comment opportunities.

The commission has scheduled three public meetings for people to learn more about the proposal and provide comments. The first two meetings will only be to take input and no action will be taken.

· Public Input Meeting #1: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 6, at the Sound Transit Board Room, Union Station, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle.

· Public Input Meeting #2: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 7, at Bellevue City Hall Council Chambers, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue.

· Final Hearing: 6:30 p.m., Jan. 5, 2011, at the Sound Transit Board Room, Union Station, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle. The commission will take public comment and is expected to adopt the final toll rates.

In addition to the public meetings, comments can be sent anytime up until the final hearing in January, by e-mailing the commission at: transc@wstc.wa.gov.

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