I-205 Toll Project
November 2025 Update:
What the New Legislation Means for West Linn
There’s been an important statewide update on transportation funding and tolling that affects our community. Earlier this fall, Oregon lawmakers approved HB3991, a bill that repeals the state’s previous requirement for tolling on I-205. For West Linn, this means there are no immediate tolls planned for the I-205 corridor, even as work on the Abernethy Bridge continues.
The change in state policy ends the prior plan to toll the Abernethy Bridge. While the door remains open for future discussions under different funding models, this decision provides clarity in the near term. At the same time, the seismic upgrade to the bridge is moving forward. Once completed, it will become the region’s first earthquake-resilient interstate crossing over the Willamette River, strengthening regional safety and emergency response capacity.
For West Linn residents, the shift brings several benefits. Without an imminent toll, there is far less incentive for drivers to divert from I-205 and use neighborhood streets, which helps keep local roads safer and reduces congestion in residential areas. Residents and commuters also avoid the daily travel costs that a toll would have introduced, offering some financial relief for households and small businesses alike. Our business districts, from Willamette to Bolton and Robinwood, rely heavily on predictable access for customers, workers, and deliveries. Fewer toll-driven detours mean steadier traffic patterns and greater stability for local storefronts and service providers.
As part of the bill’s revenue raising provisions, cities would receive a share of funds for local street maintenance and improvements. West Linn’s share would be approximately $350,000 in fiscal year 2026, with a projected increase to over $800,000 by 2034. However, a statewide referendum effort has been announced to repeal the revenue portions of the bill. If organizers gather enough signatures to place that on the ballot, West Linn likely would not receive any funds until a statewide vote in November of 2026.
Looking ahead, the State of Oregon will explore long-term funding strategies for the remaining I-205 improvement projects. The City of West Linn will continue to stay engaged in these discussions to make sure our community’s needs are represented, particularly around safety, mobility, and affordability.
As new information becomes available, we will keep residents updated. For a summary of concerns and history of correspondence, please click here.
ABOUT THE PROJECT: https://www.i205corridor.org/
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Tolling Plans on Hold!
On March 11, 2024 Governor Tina Kotek sent a letter (below) to the Oregon Transportation Commission calling for the Regional Mobility Pricing Project and further expenses for implementation of tolling on I-205 to be put on hold, effectively pausing current plans for tolling in the area. The Governor's action allows time for the legislature to discuss alternative revenue sources in the 2025 legislative session.
In reference to tolling of the Abernethy Bridge currently under construction, the Governor's Press Secretary noted that “the start date for tolling on the Abernethy Bridge has been moved out to allow time for a legislative conversation about alternative revenue sources in 2025. Should alternatives fail to come forward, the state will either need to resume tolling operations or reallocate nearly $400M from other projects.” Tolling plans for the Interstate 5 Bridge over the Columbia River are still on the way.
The City of West Linn expresses their great appreciation to the Governor for this pause and reevaluation of tolling in our area that would have significant adverse affects to our community. Thank you to all our community members, neighboring cities, Clackamas County, West Linn City Council, West Linn staff, and legislators who shared their concerns through public comment, meetings, and lobbying and helped to make this pause on tolling happen.
The Abernethy Bridge that connects West Linn and Oregon City still has a funding need of approximately $400 Million that the state had planned to use tolling to fund. Mayor Bialostosky urges the community to continue to advocate for alternative sources of funding to be used to fund the Bridge Project. Tolling only at the Abernethy Bridge would be inequitable and result in unacceptable harm to West Linn and neighboring communities. Let’s celebrate this milestone and re-energize our efforts to focus on Abernethy Bridge Project funding solutions that do not involve tolling in the 2025 Legislative Session
