OLYMPIA – New toll rates for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge will be among the topics of discussion when the Washington State Transportation Commission meets next week in Olympia.

Other topics include new highway and street designs to improve conditions for multimodal users, as well as issues currently being considered in the legislature. The meeting starts at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, and at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb.19, at the Transportation Building, 310 Maple Park Ave. SE, on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. The meeting is open to the public and persons wishing to speak to the commission may do so during the public comment periods at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, and at noon Thursday.

On Feb. 18, the commission will hear a presentation on Safe Street Design with emphasis on work being done locally and abroad to improve safety and mobility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles.

WSDOT’s Aviation Investment Study, challenges with providing special needs transportation, and discussion of the safety and fiscal impacts of studded tires are also topics of discussion.

On Feb. 19, the commission will review the Tacoma Narrows Bridge financial plan and consider traffic and revenue data, along with several tolling scenarios developed by WSDOT’s Tolling Division, in preparation for releasing a toll proposal this spring.

Commission members anticipate receiving a recommendation from the TNB Citizens’ Advisory Committee on toll rates that cover the revenue requirements for bond payments, maintenance and preservation, and toll operations for the eastbound bridge. The proposed toll rates would take effect on July 1.

Thursday’s tolling discussions conclude with an update on tolling fines and enforcement.

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/