What You Need to Know About the Toll Booth Closure
Issued January 22, 2025 - The Port of Hood River is transitioning to fully electronic tolling on the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge, with the permanent closure of the tollbooth set for April 1, 2025. This decision comes after a 7% decline in traffic, which has impacted toll revenue, prompting the need for more efficient toll collection methods to ensure financial sustainability.
To help you better understand the upcoming changes, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about the tollbooth closure, how tolls will be collected, and the support for our tollbooth staff. Please see the FAQs below for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Tollbooth Closure
The Port of Hood River is transitioning to all-electronic tolling in response to a 7% decline in traffic, which has impacted toll revenue. This decline has highlighted the need for more efficient toll collection methods to ensure financial sustainability. The success of nighttime tollbooth closures and the growing preference for electronic tolling have demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach. As more customers move away from cash payments, electronic tolling is becoming an increasingly efficient and convenient solution. The tollbooth closure is also in line with the planned transition to a new bridge, which will operate exclusively with electronic tolling.
The tollbooth closure is scheduled for April 1, 2025.
The Port of Hood River is transitioning to all-electronic tolling, also known as cashless tolling, which allows tolls to be assessed electronically via either a vehicle-mounted BreezeBy toll tag or the vehicle's license plate number. This system eliminates the need for motorists to stop to pay their toll.
Tolls on the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge will now be collected electronically. We have equipment at the toll facility that detects signals from BreezeBy toll tags and captures images of vehicle license plates. If a BreezeBy toll tag signal is detected, the toll is automatically linked to the corresponding BreezeBy account. If no tag signal is detected, the license plate number is used to link to a BreezeBy account, or an Early Payment. If no account exists, a Toll Invoice for the toll amount will be generated within a few days and mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Tolls will be collected electronically via BreezeBy, an easy-to-use tolling system that offers customers discounted rates for both the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge and the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks.
New BreezeBy accounts can be created online or in person at either Port office. For more information about BreezeBy, please visit: https://www.portofhoodriver.com/about-breezeby-electronic-bridge-tolling.
If you prefer not to have a BreezeBy account, you can pay your toll on the day of your crossing or within 14 days after to avoid an unpaid toll invoice and any associated fees. Simply pay here: https://csc.portofhoodriver.com/paytoll.
New BreezeBy accounts can be created online or over-the-counter at either Port office. Once you create your account, your vehicle transponder device will be mailed to you, usually within two business days. You will need your vehicle license plate number as well as the make, model, and year handy when you set up your account.
BreezeBy customers can manage their accounts online 24/7 at: https://csc.portofhoodriver.com/. Once you set up your username and password, you can access your account online anytime to:
- Replenish your account balance
- Update vehicle information
- Order new transponders
- Update payment method information
- Print statements
- Add a second authorized user
- Update customer contact preferences
- Sign up for bridge closure and traffic alerts
For more information please visit: https://www.portofhoodriver.com/about-breezeby-electronic-bridge-tolling
Yes, cash payments can be made at the Port office during regular business hours or through the dropbox located outside the main door of the Port office, which is accessible at any time. Envelopes are provided for dropbox payments. To avoid an unpaid toll invoice, payments must be received on the day of your crossing or within 14 days after.
You can pay your tolls on the same day of crossing or up to 14 days after by visiting https://csc.portofhoodriver.com/paytoll and using the online payment system.
Yes, toll rates for non-BreezeBy users will be higher. To take advantage of discounted rates, it is recommended to sign up for BreezeBy. For current toll rates please visit: https://www.portofhoodriver.com/toll-rates
If a toll is not paid, the following process occurs:
- Video Toll (VToll) Billing: A VToll invoice is issued to the vehicle’s registered owner if payment is not made at the toll facility, or if there are insufficient funds in a BreezeBy account. The invoice will be sent within 14 days of the toll crossing.
- First Invoice: The registered owner has 30 days to pay the toll, which can be done via check, phone, or the BreezeBy app. A $3 ancillary fee is also charged.
- Second Invoice: If payment is not received within 30 days, a second invoice is issued with a $25 late fee in addition to the original toll and ancillary fee.
- Collections: If payment is not made within 90 days, the account is transferred to collections.
- Oregon DMV Hold: For vehicles registered in Oregon, a hold will be placed on the vehicle’s registration, which is removed once payment is made.
For more information, visit https://www.portofhoodriver.com/about-breezeby-electronic-bridge-tolling. If you need help with the transition or have specific questions, you can contact us at info@portofhoodriver.com.
What do tribal members need to do to ensure they can cross the bridge without paying a toll?
Tribal members must:
- Fill Out the Online Registration Form here. If you already have a BreezeBy pass, do not complete this form. Instead, contact the Port office directly at 541-386-1645 or frontdesk@portofhoodriver.com to update your account.
- The Port will waive the account setup fees for eligible individuals.
- Provide Proof of Eligibility: Present documentation to the Port to confirm your eligibility for toll-free passage.
- If you prefer to complete the application in person, you can pick up a paper application at the Port office located at 1000 E Port Marina Drive, Hood River, OR 97031.
What type of proof is required to confirm eligibility?
You must present one of the following:
- A current tribal enrollment card (for tribal members).
- A tribal government employee badge (for tribal employees).
- A CRITFC employee badge (for CRITFC employees).
Where and how can I submit my proof of eligibility?
Proof can be submitted to the Port using the online registration form, or via email to frontdesk@portofhoodriver.com if you already have an account. Be sure to include your BreezeBy account details when submitting documentation.
What happens if I don’t open a BreezeBy account?
Vehicles not associated with a BreezeBy account will be charged the standard toll. If the toll is not paid, enforcement measures may apply. However, you can dispute the charge by providing proof of tribal membership.
What is the deadline to open a BreezeBy account?
While the Port has not announced a specific deadline, it is recommended to sign up and provide proof as soon as possible to ensure uninterrupted toll-free passage.
Who is eligible for toll-free passage under this policy?
Toll-free passage is available to:
- Members and employees of federally recognized tribes.
- Employees of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC).
Is this policy applicable only to certain tribes?
The policy applies to members and employees of all federally recognized tribes and CRITFC employees.
What if I already have a BreezeBy account?
If you already have a BreezeBy account, submit your proof of eligibility to the Port, and they will update your account to reflect toll-free passage.
Is the toll waived at the Bridge of the Gods for tribal members?
No, the toll waiver only applies to the Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge. The Bridge of the Gods toll is not included in this waiver.