What it’s like to drive the new Bothell Braid
Aug 31, 2015, 10:11 PM | Updated: Sep 1, 2015, 11:21 am
One of the last remaining obstacles ahead of the Express Toll Lanes on I-405 is complete.
The Bothell Braid is the interchange between 160th, I-405 and Highway 522 is finally open to drivers with the goal of eliminating the weaving for people getting onto I-405 and exiting to Highway 522.
“We’re trying to take some decision points away from the drivers so they have less to think about when they’re driving down the roadway,” said Lisa Hodgson, an engineer for the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Drivers on northbound I-405 who want to get SR 522 now exit around 160th into their own dedicated lane. That lane goes under the new I-405 on-ramp from 160th, which has its own lane. Drivers from 160th, who want to get to SR 522, will hug the hill and join drivers exiting I-405.
It means no more weaving on the freeway.
“When you eliminate the weave, you’re eliminating congestion and eliminating folks driving slower,” Hodgson said. “[It] improves flow.”
Other than a few late lane changes as drivers found their way to the proper lanes, it appears that drivers had no trouble figuring-out the new configuration.
Tolling on the I-405 Express Lanes is set to begin September 27.
