WSDOT to host meetings on proposed express toll lanes on I-405, SR 167

October 27, 2009 5:45 pm

WSDOT invites residents and drivers to share their thoughts about the possibility of adding an additional lane on I-405 that, combined with the existing HOV lane, could operate as two express toll lanes.

The Washington State Legislature directed WSDOT in the 2009 transportation budget (Senate Bill 5352) to engage local jurisdictions and the public in a series of work sessions around the possibility of implementing tolled express lanes as part of future I-405 and SR 167 improvements.

As part of the ongoing Eastside Corridor Tolling Study, WSDOT will host two open houses for residents and drivers to give input, and learn about what we have heard from earlier public outreach efforts.

Project engineers will be on hand to answer questions, provide study information and discuss future traffic improvements in the corridor. All comments received will be included in the final study report being submitted to the Governor and Legislature in January 2010.

The open houses are scheduled for Nov. 3 and Nov. 5. between 4 and 7 p.m.

• Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St., Kent, WA 98030

• Thursday, Nov. 5 at Kirkland City Hall (Peter Kirk Room), 123 5th Ave. Kirkland, WA 98033

The I-405 express toll lanes would connect with SR 167 HOT Lanes, creating a seamless “expressway within a freeway.” Carpools, vanpools and transit would be able to count on a more reliable toll-free trip, while solo drivers could choose to buy into the newly-expanded express toll lane system.

The express toll lanes would function similar to the 2008 SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project now under way in South King County. Solo drivers can access the SR 167 high occupancy toll lanes for a fee, freeing up space in the general purpose lanes. In its first year, the SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project increased travel speeds by 8 to 10 percent.

The Eastside Corridor Tolling Study public outreach has already included a round of open houses in August, more than 30 community briefings, focus groups and two public surveys (online and phone).

More information about the Eastside Corridor Tolling Study and a link to a video about how express toll lanes work can be found on-line at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/tolling/eastsidecorridor. For those unable to attend the open houses, an online comment form and study materials are also available.