Washington ponders increasing tolls on a major Seattle route during the World Cup

The Washington State Transportation Commission plans to evaluate a temporary toll increase on the Highway 99 tunnel during the FIFA World Cup in summer 2026. The proposed adjustments, ranging from 50 cents to $1, would be imposed between June 1 and July 15, coinciding with six matches at Lumen Field. An influx of 750,000 visitors is anticipated, prompting the need for additional traffic management resources. Lawmakers have set aside about $24 million in the transportation budget for World Cup-related costs, including $14 million for enhancing transit services. The commission aims to prevent traffic congestion, particularly at the U.

S. -Canada border, as fans travel between Seattle and Vancouver, B. C. They will assess how many drivers might avoid the tunnel due to higher tolls. If approved, this would mark the first temporary toll rate increase in the tunnel’s history.

Public input will be gathered as part of the rate-setting process.