Driving through the Highway 99 tunnel in Seattle may become more expensive next summer as the city prepares to host several matches during the FIFA World Cup.
With an expected surge in traffic, the Washington State Transportation Commission is considering a temporary toll increase to help manage the associated costs of the international sporting event.
On Tuesday, commissioners discussed the possibility of raising tolls by either 50 cents or $1, which would be effective between June 1 and July 15, 2026. This timeframe coincides with the six World Cup matches scheduled at Lumen Field, located in downtown Seattle.
State lawmakers have directed the commission to evaluate these temporary increases, which are intended to cover the additional costs related to traffic management around the stadium and throughout the Puget Sound area as fans flock to the region.
Carl See, the deputy director of the commission, acknowledged the importance of considering the influx of visitors. He also pointed out that any increase could impact local residents who may have no interest in the World Cup, emphasizing the need to balance the interests of both visitors and locals.
In total, the Pacific Northwest is set to host 13 World Cup matches, with six in Seattle and seven across the border in Vancouver, B.C. Extensive discussions have been ongoing to devise strategies to mitigate major traffic congestion at the U.S.-Canada border and ensure smooth travel for fans moving between the two host cities.
The influx of visitors is significant, with an estimated 750,000 people expected to come to Washington state over the course of six weeks. Alongside the matches, teams will be practicing at various locations, including the University of Washington in Seattle and Gonzaga University in Spokane. There will also be multiple training sites and fan zones established throughout the state.
To address the anticipated demands brought on by the World Cup, state lawmakers have allocated approximately $24 million in the current transportation budget to cover related expenses. Additional funding has been incorporated into both the operating and capital budgets to enhance security and make field upgrades.
Within the transportation budget, $14 million is designated for transit improvements, which includes $5 million to expand intercity bus service across the state. An additional $8.25 million will be utilized for operational enhancements aimed at improving overall mobility.
Furthermore, $2 million is earmarked for maintenance in the vicinity of the tunnel, with those funds coming from the tunnel toll revenue account. While lawmakers expect these costs can be offset by a temporary toll rate increase, mandating such an increase is not required.
Based on an analysis from July 2024, roughly 47,000 vehicles are reported to pass through the tunnel each day. Tolls vary depending on the time of day, with higher rates applicable during peak commuting hours and lower rates on nights and weekends. Tolls are collected in both directions upon exiting the tunnel.
Currently, weekday tolls range from $1.25 to $1.85 for users with a Good to Go pass, while weekend rates are at a flat fee of $1.25. Those using the Pay By Plate system incur an additional 25 cents per trip, and a $2 fee applies for payments made by mail.
The transportation commission’s staff will be examining the projected impact of potential toll increases—specifically, increases of 50 cents and $1—which, if implemented, would apply at all times, including weekends.
In December, the commission staff is expected to provide projections detailing the possible revenue generated from these toll increases, as well as insights into how many drivers might opt for local roads and Interstate 5 to evade the higher tolls.
Carl See emphasized the challenges of accurately predicting outcomes due to the unique circumstances surrounding the World Cup. If the toll increase is approved, it will mark the first temporary toll-rate hike of this nature. Given the brief six-week period and the extraordinary circumstances, the commission must navigate multiple factors that could affect traffic behavior during the event.
Should the commission proceed with a temporary toll rate hike, a public input process will be conducted to solicit feedback on the potential options for the rate adjustments.
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