New HOV signs confuse drivers on I-405, cause long backups
Sep 14, 2015, 8:44 AM | Updated: 12:09 pm
Drivers slow down on I-405 at NE 59th St. on Monday morning. (WSDOT image)
(WSDOT image)
The new Express Toll Lanes on I-405 don’t officially begin for another two weeks, but new signs installed over the weekend clearly caused some confusion on Monday morning.
“A lot of them are in reader board mode that say ‘HOV Only,'” explained KIRO Radio’s Chris Sullivan.
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Tolling in the Express Lanes on I-405 between Bellevue and Lynnwood doesn’t begin until Sept. 27.
“While tolling won’t start until September 27th, these signs will help drivers get used to the look and feel of the system, and we hope will encourage them to learn more about the system and how to plan their commute,” said Assistant Secretary of Transportation Craig Stone.
But Sullivan said he received several messages from confused drivers during the morning commute asking about the signs.
“‘Why is there an HOV sign over a second lane?'” he said, quoting one question. “I think a lot of people don’t realize that the Express Toll Lanes will be two lanes.”
Sullivan explained that the Washington State Department of Transportation is taking a general purpose lane and converting it to an express toll lane, totaling two HOV lanes. Striping, which starts on Sept. 17, may clear up any confusion.
Until the 27th, two-plus people are required for the HOV lanes.
WSDOT said drivers may have noticed the large, toll rates signs over I-405 displaying test messages over the last two months. After the toll rates signs are revealed, they will display current HOV lane requirements — HOV ONLY and HOV 2+ ONLY 5 AM – 7 PM — until they open.
Drivers will also start to notice signs to inform them where to enter and exit the new lanes and how to pay.
