Toll signs above the new SR 99 tunnel exit. Photo courtesy of WSDOT. 
Toll signs above the new SR 99 tunnel exit. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.
Get ready: WSDOT will begin tolling drivers in the SR 99 tunnel late this summer.
The #SeattleSqueeze continues, as the tolling of the new SR 99 tunnel will again change traffic patterns to and through downtown. We’ll all need to plan ahead and prepare for impacts to our commutes, but good news: WSDOT is making it easy to pay the lowest toll rate if you’ll be driving in the SR 99 tunnel.
Why is the tunnel being tolled? The Legislature has directed WSDOT to collect tolls in the SR 99 tunnel in order to repay $200 million in construction bonds borrowed to build the tunnel and to fund the ongoing cost of operating and maintaining a safe facility. This funding is part of the $3.3 billion investment to replace the aging Alaskan Way Viaduct and rebuild SR 99 through Seattle.
Northbound lane stripes near the south end of the SR 99 tunnel. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.
Luckily, WSDOT is here to help. They’re giving away free Good To Go! sticker passes, which let you pay the lowest toll rate in the SR 99 tunnel.
Don’t delay in getting your free pass, but first, make sure you know what kind of Good To Go! pass is right for you. There are four different kinds of Good To Go! passes. The sticker pass will work for most tunnel drivers, but if you plan on carpooling in the I-405/SR 167 express toll lanes, you have a motorcycle, or you drive a vehicle with metal in the windshield, you will need a different pass. If you need help deciding which pass is best for you, visit the Good To Go! pass page.
Just complete a few quick and easy steps to get your pass.
Take a simple survey and get your free Good To Go! pass! Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-holding-smartphone-1842623/
Take a short survey and you’ll receive your free sticker pass within four weeks.
Once you receive your sticker pass in the mail, you must activate it by adding it to a Good To Go! account. Your sticker pass will not work until it’s been added to an account.
You may either add your pass to your existing Good To Go! Account or open a new account. Or, wait until this summer to open your new account in WSDOT’s new Good To Go! system, which will not require a $30 pre-paid balance!
A few other important notes about getting the free sticker pass:
- To get the pass, you must currently use the SR 99 tunnel or plan to in the future.
- Limit of one sticker pass per person. You will need to purchase any additional passes.
- Free sticker passes will be offered while supplies last.
Got a burning question about getting a Good To Go! pass?
Stick your Good To Go! Pass on your windshield, and you’ll be, well, good to go. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.
WSDOT has the answer to your tolling questions on their SR 99 Tolling webpage. Learn who is exempt from the toll, other ways you can pay the toll, and more!
Questions about getting your free Good To Go! sticker pass? Email SR99TunnelTolls@wsdot.wa.gov, or call 206-440-4444.