State Transportation Commission proposes I-405 express toll lane rates, exemptions

The Washington State Transportation Commission will release details on its toll rate proposal for the Interstate 405 express toll lanes during a meeting on Feb. 3 at Bellevue City Hall.

January 28, 2015 7:52 pm
I-405 through north Kirkland will experience lane closures this week.
I-405 through north Kirkland will experience lane closures this week.

The following is a release from the Washington State Transportation Commission:

The Washington State Transportation Commission will release details on its toll rate proposal for the Interstate 405 express toll lanes during a meeting on Feb. 3 at Bellevue City Hall. Interested persons will have the opportunity to comment on the proposal at public meetings and electronically over the next few weeks. The express toll lanes will open later this year on the north end of I-405 between Bellevue and Lynwood.

Highlights of the commission’s toll rate proposal for the I-405 express toll lanes include:

  • Good To Go! toll rates will range from a minimum of 75 cents to a maximum of $10 – it is estimated that the typical toll will range from 75 cents to $4.
  • Carpools with three or more people will be exempt from paying a toll at all times, and carpools with two people will be exempt, except during weekday peak hours (5–9 a.m. and 3–7 p.m.).  Motorcycles, transit vehicles, and vanpools will also be exempt.
  • To use the express toll lanes free, drivers must meet the occupancy requirements, have a Good To Go! account and have a Flex Pass, which will be offered by the Washington State Department of Transportation starting in spring 2015.
  • Drivers without a Good To Go! account can also use the express toll lanes and will receive a bill in the mail for their trip.  Drivers who chose this option will pay $2 above the posted Good To Go! rate in effect at the time of the trip. This additional amount is necessary to cover the cost of collecting Pay By Mail toll bills.

People can comment on the proposal in the following ways:

In Person: The WSTC will host public meetings on the following dates:

  • 6:30–8 p.m., Feb. 3, Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue: The WSTC will review the details of its rate proposal and approve its release to the public.  Public comment will be taken at this meeting. There will be an open house at the same location from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. where people can learn more about the I-405 express toll lanes project.
  • 6–8 p.m., TFeb. 17, Online virtual public meeting: A presentation will be made on the rate proposal and project, and then commissioners will answer questions and take comments through a moderated online chat format. Details are provided on the WSTC website on how to participate in this meeting.
  • 6:30–8 p.m., Feb. 19, Kirkland City Hall, 123 Fifth Ave., Kirkland: Public comment will be taken on the rate proposal, but no action by the commission is planned.  There will be an open house at the same location from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. where people can learn more about the I-405 express toll lanes project.
  • 6:30 – 8 p.m., March 18, Kirkland City Hall, 123 Fifth Ave., Kirkland: The WSTC will take public comment and will be taking action to adopt the final rates and policies.  There will be an open house at the same location from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. where people can learn more about the I-405 express toll lanes project.