The Oregon Department of Transportation is inviting public input on the use of congestion pricing to help improve travel times on Interstates 5 and 205 in the Portland metro area.

Congestion pricing is basically tolling on specific parts of the freeway intended to improve traffic flow. Congestion pricing systems charge higher prices for driving on a road when demand is greater.

ODOT is asking for public input during a series of open house events and online. The first live event is 4:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 23 at Clackamas Town Center Community Room (Level 1 near Macy's), 12000 S.E. 82nd Avenue. Read more about upcoming public input events here.

The survey on polling is required because of a directive from the Oregon legislature to look at congestion alternatives to reduce congestion. Keep Oregon Moving directs the Oregon Transportation Commission to develop a proposal for value pricing on I-5 and I-205 from the state line (to the north) to the junction of the two freeways just south of Tualatin.

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BEAVERTON 6:56 a.m.; Crash blocks the left lane of OR 217 northbound near Allen Boulevard. Crews heading to the scene.

Update 7:44 a.m.; Moved to right shoulder. Traffic still backed up to I-5.

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