More on the Hood River-White Salmon bridge toll booth closure

“While that period passed, the commission and staff initially decided to postpone further discussions until the ‘new bridge era.’ However, due to recent staffing shortages and a decline in traffic, we had to go that route sooner,” Greenwood said.

At the Dec. 17 port meeting, commissioners took another step towards a permanent closure when they directed staff to explore the feasibility of closing the booth.

One month later, on Jan. 21, Finance Director Debbie Smith-Wagar cited a 7% decline in traffic and toll revenue as the driving force behind the recommendation. Port of Hood River Resolution No. 2024-25-17 was passed Jan. 21 and the port’s announcement one day later made it official. Staff estimate closing the booth will save upwards of $100,000 annually that will “be redirected toward future bridge maintenance and repairs,” according to the resolution.

The port has struggled to staff the booth and opted to close the toll booth at night beginning in May 2023, starting electronic tolling in the evenings from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays. Port staff say that feedback on the nighttime closures have been positive and the transition to sending out invoices have been very smooth. Fewer visitors are using cash and electronic tolling has become more convenient.

Details are still being worked on, but under the new tolling system, visitors who do not have a BreezeBy account will be emailed an invoice following their bridge crossing. According to the port, you will be able to pay your toll on the day of your crossing or within 14 days of your visit.

When the new bridge is constructed, tolling will be done exclusively electronically, so, Greenwood said they are trying to get ahead of the curve. Cash payment will still be accepted, but users must pay at the port office or through a dropbox (located outside the main door of the port office). Users may also prepay.

The closure will affect four full-time and four part-time toll collectors. Toll booth collectors did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

According to Greenwood and port staff, the toll collectors will receive a termination benefits package that includes salary severance, COBRA health insurance, unemployment benefits, job search resources and retirement assistance.

In a statement to Columbia Gorge News, the port said: “We strive to support affected employees by sharing resources and information on job search opportunities. This approach ensures financial stewardship while providing meaningful assistance during the transition.”

To learn more about the closure and what you need to know before crossing, visit portofhoodriver.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-toll-booth-closure.