PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Oregon Department of Transportation is working on a plan to reduce traffic congestion in the Portland area on I-5 and I-205 by charging people who drive during rush hour.
“Value pricing” would charge people an electronic toll when people use certain roads during peak traffic hours. It also charges people little-to-nothing during off-peak hours.
According to ODOT, value pricing has worked in other major cities.
A woman in Clark County told KOIN 6 News that she thinks the area needs a new bridge and tolling won’t stop people from driving when they need to.
“I think we need a new bridge and if we all have to kick in a little bit extra to do that, I’m happy to do that,” she said. “I don’t think tolling will deter traffic.”
ODOT will have 2 open houses Tuesday night — one in Portland and the other in Clark County — to share the department’s plans and also hear the public’s opinion about value pricing.
The meeting in Portland will take place from 5-8 p.m. at 1900 SW 4th Ave, Suite 2500 and from 5-7 p.m. at 1300 Franklin St, Suite 680 in Vancouver.