Chokepoint: An examination of new HOV, HOT lanes coming to 405
Feb 12, 2015, 8:58 AM | Updated: 1:05 pm
Major changes are coming to I-405 between Bellevue and Lynnwood in the form of express toll lanes and variable HOV requirements. There’s a lot to prepare for.
Even I was confused after months of looking at the changes. I had been reporting that the state was converting the existing HOV lane to an express toll lane and adding a new general purpose lane.
That’s not what is happening. That new lane will be part of the express toll system. So between downtown Bellevue and Highway 522 there will be two toll lanes and the current three general purpose lanes. So it will double the capacity of the current HOV lane.
That extra lane goes away after Highway 522, and the express toll lane becomes a single the rest of the way up to the I-5 split. The state is simply converting the existing HOV lane on that part of 405.
There will be dedicated entry and exit points for the toll lanes, and it will be illegal to cross the double white line to get in or out in other locations. So once you’re in, you’re in.
The other big change over current HOT lanes is destination pricing. Your rate of pay will depend on how far you’re going.
For example, when you get in the lane in downtown Bellevue, the sign will have three prices. One for Totem Lake. One for Highway 522 and another for I-5. Even if you get off before one of those specific points, you will pay the price up to that next destination point.
But the price you see when you enter the express toll system is the one you will pay, even if it goes up while you’re in it.
The tolling sign will have a lot to digest. It will have those three variable prices and the destinations that go with them. The bottom reader board will tell drivers what the current HOV requirement is. For example, during peak hours it will likely read “HOV 3 plus with Flex Pass.”
There will be enough signs to warn drivers of the approaching toll system and what the requirements are so drivers will be able to make their choice without having to swerve out of the lanes.
But it’s best to be prepared. These lanes go active later this year.
