Tolling on i405 (Seattle, Bellevue, Kent: 2015, HOA, how much)

[Inkpoe]

Flashing lights signal start of I-405 express toll lane equipment install - The WSDOT blog - Washington State Department of Transportation

Well, it appears that the WSDOT is going to go for a HOT (HOV) lanes setup on 405, starting in 2015. So if you're wondering what those green things with the flashing lights over 405, here's your answer.

I don't think it'll help traffic that much, but I don't know. Thoughts?

[BellevueNative]

We've been talking about this in a different thread on here. This is related to the 405 widening; there will be TWO HOT lanes on 405 southbound between Hwy 527 and downtown Bellevue. For anyone who drives that route, I think it's fair to say that ANYTHING will be an improvement. It's the worst commute in the Seattle area; far worse than I-5 south from the north end.

Here's more info on the project: WSDOT - Project - I-405 - NE 6th to I-5 Widening and Express Toll Lanes

[jm31828]

As long as they don't take away a lane of non-tolled traffic then at least it won't get any worse, but I don't see it being much of an improvement. Just a waste of money like the hot lanes on 167 are.

[Yakscsd]

I think this is a great idea, and will make a difference. I myself often drive in the HOA lane through here because the traffic is so bad. I am willing to take the ticket and view the $125 fine as a toll, just like this will be. It makes a huge difference, and with two lanes, will be even more of a savings.

[sean98125]

They should do the same thing with the Express Lanes in Seattle and make the downtown exits open to SOVs and HOVs.

[thatguy950]

It certainly can't hurt, although I don't know how much I like the idea of 3+ now to use it for free, time will tell. Of course as the prices in Seattle and the Eastside continue to rise I suspect it may become a "Band-Aid on a bullet wound" type of situation as more will likely be forced to move further away from the city centers into areas to the north/south, such as the already-crowded Mill Creek and Snohomish areas, as well as Renton/Kent/Auburn. I know those areas are already "full" and the commute is awful, I live in Mill Creek when in Seattle and think it's a great area, but if I didn't telecommute I don't know how I could manage a daily grind driving back and forth.

[NWbyNW]

Once they start tolling 405, I stop going to the Eastside.

As long as they don't take away normal lanes, things will be as they are. They should really increase non HOV lanes.

[Botev1912]

they are not going to toll the regular lanes.

[BellevueNative]

I'm not sure why people think that one additional lane (to be HOT) plus turning the current HOV lane into an HOT lane won't improve traffic. It means four lanes will be options for single occupant vehicles instead of just two. The reason why traffic is so bad every day is because there are only three lanes, including the HOV lane, in some of the most congested strips of 405.

I would pay a toll if it meant I could have a predictable commute and afford a nicer home in Bothell or Mill Creek than what I could get for the same $ in Kirkland or Bellevue.

[sean98125]

Originally Posted by Botev1912

they are not going to toll the regular lanes.

Yet, but it looks like that is the eventual plan.