Washington state is set to launch the first tolled section of a new freight-focused expressway designed to bypass one of the region’s most congested corridors. Beginning September 29, trucks and passenger vehicles will be able to use the first three miles of the State Route 509 Expressway, a critical project aimed at improving access to the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma.
The project, led by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), is part of the multi-billion-dollar Puget Sound Gateway Program, one of the largest infrastructure initiatives in the state’s history. According to the 2022 Washington State Freight System Plan, chronic bottlenecks on Interstate 5 and SR 509 continue to hinder cargo movement, drive up operating costs, and reduce efficiency for both freight carriers and port operations.
“The SR 509 Expressway is a brand-new roadway, and tolling is scheduled to begin Sept. 29,” said Christopher Foster, toll division communications manager at WSDOT. “This project will provide an essential north-south alternative to I-5 in South King County, helping to reduce congestion while strengthening freight links between I-5, the ports of Tacoma and Seattle, and SEA Airport.”
Project Details & Timeline
Phase One (Opening Sept. 29, 2025) – The first three miles of the new four-lane expressway, stretching from South 188th Street toward SeaTac, will begin operations with electronic tolling.
Future Expansion – By 2028, an additional two miles are expected to open, extending SR 509 to 24th Avenue South in SeaTac.
Free Alternatives Remain – Existing routes will remain free for drivers. Only the newly built portions of SR 509 will be tolled.
Tolling System & Rates
Tolling System & Rates
The expressway will feature a cashless, all-electronic toll system. Overhead sensors will detect Good To Go! passes or license plates, eliminating the need for tollbooths and reducing traffic slowdowns.
- Passenger vehicles: $1.20–$2.40 (Good To Go! rates), depending on time of day.
- Trucks: Tolls scale with axles, ranging from $2.40–$7.20 for vehicles with four to six axles.
- Discounts: Good To Go! accounts save drivers $2–$4 compared to pay-by-mail billing.
- Peak periods: 3 p.m.–6 p.m. carries the highest rates; overnight and early mornings offer the lowest.
Revenue from the tolls will cover ongoing operations, maintenance, and debt service, contributing an estimated $213 million toward the overall $2.83 billion Puget Sound Gateway Project.
Freight Benefits & Economic Impact
The Puget Sound Gateway Project is more than a road expansion, it represents one of the most significant freight infrastructure investments in Washington state in decades. By combining the SR 509 Expressway in King County and the SR 167 Expressway in Pierce County, the initiative creates a stronger, more resilient freight network designed to meet the demands of a growing economy and expanding global trade.
Strategic Freight Connections
SR 509 Expressway (King County) – This corridor directly links I-5 with the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, while also improving access to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), a key hub for air cargo. For trucking companies, this means fewer delays on existing bottlenecked routes and more predictable schedules for time-sensitive freight.
SR 167 Expressway (Pierce County) – The six-mile extension from Puyallup to the Port of Tacoma creates a direct highway connection between the port and I-5. This new link reduces the need for heavy trucks to use local streets, minimizing travel times and enhancing safety in residential areas.
Together, these expressways will provide a parallel north-south corridor to I-5, significantly reducing pressure on one of the most congested highways in the country.
Benefits for Trucking & Logistics
Reduced Travel Times – Freight carriers are expected to save hours per week in transit due to smoother port access and less time spent in congestion. Faster turnaround at ports means more efficient use of trucks, drivers, and fuel.
Lower Costs for Carriers – By cutting delays and idling, carriers can lower fuel consumption, reduce maintenance needs, and improve driver productivity, all critical factors in today’s competitive freight market.
More Predictable Delivery Windows – Shippers and logistics companies can plan with greater accuracy, ensuring supply chains run on schedule and reducing risks of missed connections for rail, air, and last-mile delivery.
Regional Competitiveness – Improved freight corridors make Washington’s ports more attractive for international trade, supporting local industries that rely on imports and exports, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and retail distribution
National & International Trade Significance
The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma, together operating as the Northwest Seaport Alliance, rank among the top container gateways in North America. Their combined operations serve as a lifeline for the movement of goods across the United States:
– Over 70% of international cargo arriving in Tacoma is distributed to the central and eastern U.S., highlighting the port’s national reach.
– 80% of marine shipments between Alaska and the lower 48 states pass through Tacoma, underscoring its role as a supply hub for Alaska’s economy.
– The ports are also a major entry point for goods from Asia, making them a critical link in the U.S. – Pacific trade corridor.
– Over 70% of international cargo arriving in Tacoma is distributed to the central and eastern U.S., highlighting the port’s national reach.
– 80% of marine shipments between Alaska and the lower 48 states pass through Tacoma, underscoring its role as a supply hub for Alaska’s economy.
– The ports are also a major entry point for goods from Asia, making them a critical link in the U.S. – Pacific trade corridor.
Strengthening road access helps ensure these ports remain competitive against other West Coast gateways, particularly Los Angeles/Long Beach and Vancouver, B.C., where congestion and infrastructure limits can drive shippers to seek alternatives.
Broader Economic Impact
Job Creation – Construction of the SR 509 and SR 167 extensions has already generated thousands of jobs. Once completed, improved freight flows will support tens of thousands of positions tied to port activities, trucking, warehousing, and logistics.
Support for Export Industries – Washington’s agriculture, aerospace, and technology sectors depend heavily on efficient export routes. Faster access to ports allows exporters to move products to international markets with fewer delays.
Regional Growth – Businesses are more likely to expand near logistics hubs with reliable infrastructure. The Gateway Project is expected to attract new warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing investments to King and Pierce counties.
Environmental & Community Benefits
While the project’s main focus is freight mobility, it also delivers secondary benefits:
- Reduced Truck Traffic on Local Roads: Diverting trucks from residential streets improves safety, reduces noise, and lowers emissions in neighborhoods.
- Fuel Efficiency & Lower Emissions: Less time spent idling in traffic means lower greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Washington’s climate goals.
- Improved Air Quality: By streamlining port access, the project helps reduce the concentration of diesel exhaust near schools and neighborhoods close to major trucking routes.
Preparing for Tolling
WSDOT is encouraging drivers and fleets to open a Good To Go! account ahead of the launch. Fleet operators can link multiple trucks under one account, simplifying toll payments and ensuring cost savings compared to mail billing. “Drivers who sign up early won’t just save money, they’ll also avoid delays from billing and ensure smooth passage through the new corridor,” Foster added.
Once fully complete, the SR 509 and SR 167 projects will provide a comprehensive north-south freight corridor, serving as an alternative to I-5 while improving direct access to port terminals. By reducing congestion and cutting travel times, the project is expected to boost both regional economic growth and supply chain efficiency across the Pacific Northwest.
