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

Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard

October 15, 2025 / 10:36 am

Driving through the Highway 99 tunnel in Seattle could be pricier during next summer’s FIFA World Cup.

With traffic expected to surge when the city hosts several matches, the Washington State Transportation Commission may temporarily hike tolls for the two-mile tunnel to defray additional costs associated with the international sporting event.

Commissioners heard Tuesday that their staff are evaluating potential increases of 50 cents and $1 that would be imposed between June 1 and July 15, 2026, the period in which six World Cup contests are scheduled at Lumen Field in downtown Seattle.

State lawmakers directed the commission to

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