By Kiara Doyal , The Seattle Medium
Significant changes to the express toll lanes on Interstate 405 (I-405) and State Route 167 (SR 167) could soon be on the horizon, as the Washington State Transportation Commission considers new policies to standardize tolling practices across these critical corridors. The proposed updates, which aim to expand the express toll lane system and create uniformity, are now open for public comment through an online open house that runs until October 11, 2024.
“The Commission must adjust its toll policies and rates to ensure the lanes operate as intended, and consistently along the corridor,” says Carl See Washington State Transportation Commission Deputy Director. “Today, the SR 167 HOT lanes and the I-405 express toll lanes have different rules. So, the Commission is considering making some major changes next year so that both facilities operate under the same rule as the state works to complete and connect up over 50 miles of express toll lanes.”
While no changes to the toll systems have been enacted yet, several options are on the table for consideration. These include extending tolling to weekends across the entire I-405 and SR 167 corridor, potentially raising the maximum toll rate to $18, and modifying carpool requirements for toll-free travel. The goal is to establish consistent rules for all travelers, making their journey smoother and more predictable.
To gauge public opinion, the Commission is hosting an online open house, allowing residents and travelers to explore these potential changes and provide their feedback.
“All comments and input received via the online open house will be provided to the Commissioners for their review and consideration,” says See. “The Commission will also be issuing a short survey to the public later this year, where they can provide their thoughts on possible changes. All of this input will be gathered well ahead of them making any decisions next year. They [the Commission] have to balance the input with legal requirements in law to manage traffic on the corridor, maintain reliable speeds in the tolled lanes, and generate critical revenue to support the projects in the corridor.”
While the introduction of new express toll lanes aims to improve traffic flow and efficiency, possible changes to the toll lane system has stirred debate among commuters, policymakers, and local communities, as adjustments to toll policies often cause concerns about fairness, economic impact, and access. Balancing the pros and cons of these toll changes with the many perspectives of those affected will help the Commission make decisions that will positively impact travelers.
“Predicting whether or not the new changes will make more people either use or avoid tolls is a highly speculative question we cannot answer,” says See. “WSDOT utilizes modeling tools to provide estimates around usage rates and impacts to travel time on both the tolled lanes and the free lanes. This analysis is ongoing, and you can rest assured the Commission does not and will not make changes that would result in a negative outcome.”
The new changes are expected to be implemented when the new I-405 Bellevue to Renton express toll lanes open in 2025. These new express toll lanes will connect with the existing I-405 express toll lanes from Bellevue to Lynnwood and the SR 167 high occupancy toll lanes from Renton to Pacific.
“The changes under consideration are all intended to ensure drivers get a reliable trip in the tolled lanes, and also support the delivery of much needed revenues to fund the ongoing improvement projects on the I-405 and SR 167 corridor that will bring great travel benefits to all who use the corridor,” says See.
