Congestion Pricing
Congestion pricing
Congestion pricing is a type of road pricing that reduces traffic congestion by shifting some trips to different times of day or changing how people make their trip, (i.e. via non-driving means and carpooling.)
Congestion pricing works best on heavily congested roads. It uses tolls that vary in cost depending on the time of day. Toll prices are higher at peak driving times (like rush hour) and lower at less busy driving times (like late at night.) This encourages drivers to use the road during less-congested periods — or travel by non-driving means — and allows traffic to flow more freely during peak times.
Congestion pricing can have several benefits for Oregonians:
Less traffic during peak rush hour times, leading to more reliable travel times.
More people choosing active, healthy and affordable non-driving ways to get around.
More reliable and efficient goods movement.
Congestion pricing can also help lower greenhouse gas emissions, but only when designed and managed to meet that objective.
For example, an analysis of adding new lane-miles on Interstate 205 coupled with tolling showed that emissions would not increase. That project — which is indefinitely postponed as of 2024 — demonstrated 4% lower greenhouse gas emissions and 12% lower emissions from air pollutants in 2045 when compared to not building the planned improvements and tolling.
Congestion pricing: emissions reduction vision
Congestion pricing can both manage congestion and provide sustainable revenue for transportation improvements.
Oregon’s 2013 GHG reduction roadmap included congestion tolling as part of its mix of pricing policies that need to be in effect by 2050.
ODOT will partner with the Oregon Legislature to identify options, including tolls, to address our urgent transportation needs.
How Oregon is doing
In 2017, the Oregon Legislature directed ODOT to design a toll program to manage congestion and raise revenue for transportation improvements. As of 2024, ODOT is awaiting legislative direction to determine the future of Oregon tolls.
ODOT is also working with the Washington State Department of Transportation to implement tolls for the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. Toll collection is scheduled to begin in 2026 on the I-5 bridge that links Oregon and Washington over the Columbia River.
These tolls will help to manage congestion on this critical route between the two states and support funding needed to replace the bridge with a modern, seismically resilient, multimodal structure.
How Oregon can improve
ODOT will continue to work with regional and legislative partners to identify solutions for congestion and transportation funding. Like many transportation agencies in states and cities across the country, ODOT believes tolling is a critical component of a safe, modern, and sustainably funded transportation system. Fine-tuning the tolling system will be key to reduce congestion, keep freight moving, support emission reductions, and maintain an equitable system for all travelers.