Seattle drivers: You just scored two extra months of toll-free tunnel

Seattle drivers will have two extra months to use the Highway 99 tunnel for free.

Washington's Department of Transportation said it's not ready to start tolling this summer, as it had planned.

"We had initially been saying that tolling could begin late summer 2019, and we're just kind of shifting that timeline back to fall of 2019," said spokesperson Chris Foster with the WSDOT toll division.

He said they're currently transitioning to a new customer service and support system which is taking longer than expected. That transition is delayed about two months, which is pushing the start of tolling back.

WSDOT is mandated to collect tolls on the downtown highway tunnel to help pay off the construction of it. WSDOT estimates the tolls could generate $1.1 billion over 25 years.

Foster said the delay isn't a concern, financially speaking. "It's not going to effect toll revenue, it's just kind of shifting the timeline," he said

Drivers will pay between $1-$2.25 a trip if they have a Good to Go! pass, and an extra $2 without that pass. People can currently fill out a survey on WSDOT's website for a chance to get a free Good To Go! pass.