Video: Sliding scale suggested for SR 520 toll

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BELLEVUE, Wash. – It's news a lot of people in Western Washington have been waiting for - an idea of just how high tolls could go to pay for a new 520 bridge.

The newest idea is a sliding scale ranging from a free trip in the middle of the night to nearly $7 round-trip during peak times.

The 520 Tolling Implementation Committee was officially briefed in Bellevue today about a new state study that details what the tolling future across Lake Washington might look like. The tolling could begin in just two years.

The new study looks at several scenarios:

-Tolling that could start as early in 2010, and as late as 2016, when a new bridge would open. 

- Tolling just 520, or tolling both 520 and I-90.

- Tolling amounts. The highest peak toll could total $6.85. 

It's a scenario that doesn't wash with Andy Craigmile. 

KING

Seattle's Evergreen Point Floating Bridge

"I don't think it's going to change anything. People are going to go where they go. It doesn't matter how much you're going to pay," he said. "They're going to pay it. They're still not going to like it."

The committee's job is to try and assess the impact from tolling. How much is too much? How many people will by pass the bridges and drive around?

Bob Drewel is one of the committee members who will listen to public input in five public meetings.

"We're not here to set toll rates, we're here to begin a public dialog and to respond to the legislature and the governor's request for a report," he said.

 Open houses on 520 tolling are planned at these times:

Tuesday, July 29 - Bothell
UW Bothell North Creek Events Center
18115 Campus Way NE
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 31 – Renton
Spirit of Washington Events Center
233 Burnett Avenue South
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 5 – Seattle
Naval Reserve at South Lake Union
860 Terry Ave N
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 6 – Bellevue
Bellevue City Hall
450 110th Ave. NE
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 7 – Kirkland
Kirkland Performance Center
350 Kirkland Ave
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.