The following is a release from the Washington State Department of Transportation:

During the past six months, the Washington State Department of Transportation installed new signs between Bellevue and Lynnwood in preparation for the Interstate 405 express toll lanes; most still covered from view. Overnight Sept. 2, drivers will start to see white rectangular signs on the side of the roadway that read “Illegal to Cross the Double White Line.”

“While we are installing these signs now, drivers won’t start to see the double white lines on the roadway until about a week before we launch express toll lanes,” said Jennifer Charlebois, WSDOT toll systems engineer. “As we move through September, we will keep drivers updated and help them prepare for the major changes coming to I-405.”

Restriping and restrictions coming soon

As soon as Thursday, Sept. 17, contractor crews will begin to restripe the HOV lane between Bothell and Lynnwood with double white lines. Once installed, the new roadway striping will limit HOV lane access to designated entry and exit points. This work is weather dependent as the roadway needs to be dry to place the new lane striping.

The new roadway striping will also give drivers a feel for how the new express toll lane system will function prior to opening on Sunday, Sept. 27. Drivers who illegally cross the double white line could receive a $136 ticket from Washington State Patrol.

Plan your trip with the express toll lanes map tool

“We developed a map of entry and exit points to help drivers plan their trip in the express toll lanes and to understand how the toll rates signs work,” said Charlebois. “I encourage drivers to use this tool during the week of restricted access before tolling starts as well.”

Drivers should also visit GoodToGo405.org to learn more about I-405 express toll lanes, and watch an animated video that illustrates what a trip may look like in the new system.

I-405 express toll lanes overview

WSDOT is building a new lane adjacent to the carpool lane between Northeast Sixth Street in Bellevue and State Route 522 in Bothell to create a dual express-toll-lane system. The existing carpool lane between Bothell and Lynnwood will serve as a single express toll lane.

When the system opens on Sept. 27, drivers will have the option to pay a toll for a faster, more reliable trip using a 17-mile system of express toll lanes from Bellevue to Lynnwood. Toll rates, set by the Washington State Transportation Commission, will adjust based on traffic congestion to keep the lanes moving at 45 mph or better.

Drivers can pay the toll with any existing Good To Go! pass or Pay By Mail for a higher rate. Qualifying carpools must have a Good To Go! Flex pass to travel toll free in the express toll lanes.