520 bridge toll will hit $4.35 in 2016

The peak toll on the Highway 520 floating bridge that began at $3.50 at the end of last year will rise to $4.35 in 2016 after a series of scheduled increases.

The Washington Transportation Department says the first of four annual increases of 2.5 percent will take effect in July, and the final planned increase of 15 percent will take effect in 2016.

The tolls are helping pay for a new Highway 520 floating bridge on Lake Washington. It's scheduled for completion in 2014, replacing the 49-year-old bridge used by commuters between Seattle and Bellevue.

Transportation Department spokeswoman Patricia Michaud (MIH'-shod) says the peak toll for drivers who pay by mail, instead of the Good to Go pass, will rise from $5 now to $6.35 in 2016.

Editor's note: In the original version of this story, the toll price was incorrect.