Video: Toll for both floating bridges?

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SEATTLE - The days of a free trip over the 520 and the I-90 bridge could be coming to an end.

The 520 floating bridge needs to be replaced, which could prompt tolls on both bridges to pay for it.

The 520 Tolling Implementation Committee has been gathering public input so they can tell the legislature what you think. Their final public meeting was planned for 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Mercer Island Community Center.

If you missed it, the regional council will be accepting public comment via e-mail until the end of this month.

The 520 bridge carries twice the number of cars it was designed for.

"We need to build a bridge. I don't think there's any question about that," said Bob Drewel, Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Director.

The 520 Tolling Implementation Committee is trying to determine how people want to replace it. That's the goal behind the series of public hearings.

Two scenarios call for tolling the 520 bridge to raise revenue staring in either 2010 or 2016, with variable tolls climbing as high as $6.85 round trip. Two more scenarios call for tolling both 520 and I-90 to cover the costs.

The Seattle City Council just handed down its recommendation to start tolling both bridges in 2010. But the state committee studying the options won't deliver their final recommendation until January of '09.

What would you like to see?

"I think it's logical that the people who use it should pay for it," said one driver.

"I probably just wouldn't even work over there anymore. I'd probably have to get a job out here," said one Seattle driver.

It's these kinds of comments the regional council would like to hear because in the end it will be a costly choice we'll be living with for quite a while.