On April 1, 2025 the Hood River White Salmon Interstate Bridge successfully transitioned to fully electronic tolling. Since its construction in 1924, a manned toll booth had been in operation, making change and small talk as locals and tourists made their crossings. In 2007, the Port introduced the community to BreezeBy software, which enabled the Port to handle the growing number of commuters across the bridge by adding electronic tolling alongside cash toll takers. The Port added exterior lanes for BreezeBy users to the toll plaza, creating an easy and smooth crossing that required cars to slow down but not come to a full stop. Regular commuters were encouraged to create a BreezeBy account, which could be loaded with funds, or invoiced monthly for crossings. Signing up for a BreezeBy account offered a free mobile app, a free transponder for the first vehicle on the account, and a discounted toll. Currently, BreezeBy account holders pay $1.75 per crossing on the Hood River Interstate Bridge, while cash transactions are charged a toll of $3.50.  

By 2023, traffic studies and a focus on moving the Port towards a fiscally sustainable future without bridge revenue, the Port implemented electronic tolling from 10pm until 6am. During this time, commuters continued to use all lanes of the toll plaza without stopping to pay their toll while those without a BreezeBy account received an invoice with options to pay online or via mail. The success of the night toll-booth closure made the decision to implement full electronic tolling clear, and on March 31, 2025, the toll booth windows closed for the last time.

Though there were community concerns about how traffic would flow after the switch to electronic tolling, the average day proves to be an easy and smooth commute for residents of the gorge. BreezeBy has proven an effective tool in bringing bridge operations into the modern era; there are currently 41,147 BreezeBy account holders utilizing the technology. Currently there are 41,147 active BreezeBy accounts through the Port of Hood River.

If you haven’t signed up for a BreezeBy account yet, the Port encourages you to do so as it gives you transparency into your commute and saves money with the discounted toll. Creating a BreezeBy account gives the commuter control over their account, with the ability to replenish account balances, update payment information, print statements, verify their vehicle information is current, order additional transponders, add a second user, and sign up for bridge and traffic alerts. New accounts can be opened online through the portofhoodriver.com, or in person at the Port office. Opening a BreezeBy account does not require connecting a bank account, as cash payment can still be made during regular business hours or through the dropbox available 24/7 at the Port office. Questions or concerns about your account? Email Breezeby@portofhoodriver.com or call (541) 386-1645 during regular business hours. More information and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at www.portofhoodriver.com

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