Six additional miles of toll lanes opening on SR 167
Dec 15, 2016, 11:47 AM | Updated: 11:47 am
The HOT lanes from 37th Street NW in Auburn to Eighth Street East in Pacific. (WSDOT)
(WSDOT)
The six-mile extension of the HOT lanes from 37th Street NW in Auburn to Eighth Street East in Pacific opened to HOV drivers in June as the state put the finishing touches on the construction.
Now it is going to open to all drivers who are willing to pay a toll to get in. The cost will range from $0.50-$9, depending on congestion. This makes the HOT lane from Renton 14 miles.
Related: Drivers taking risks to reach Auburn mall exit on SR 167
The tolling signs were unveiled Wednesday night. They will read HOV only until 5 a.m. on Saturday when tolls will start being charged.
Jennifer Charlebois, the toll division engineering manager from the Washington State Department of Transportation, says drivers have to make sure they have the proper equipment in their cars to ensure they’re tolled correctly.
“If you do have a pass in your car, we will charge you,” she said. “If you want to carpool some days and pay the toll on others, you do need a Flex Pass.”
HOV drivers and motorcycles will continue to be free in the HOT lanes. Those drivers or riders do not need a pass. The state is still offering free Flex Passes for carpool drivers. You can also buy them at tolling offices, Fred Meyer stores, and QFC stores.
One problem a KIRO driver found with this extension back in June needs repeating. If you want to get off at 15th Street SW to get to the Outlet Collection Mall, you need to get out of the HOT lane well before Highway 18.
Related: SR 167 was never finished, now it’s a $2 billion project
The first real test of this new extension will come Monday afternoon, during the first commute with the HOT lane extension. Though some drivers expect this to help the southbound drive each evening, many worry it will just push the current chokepoint further to the south.
