The Washington State Department of Transportation opened 17 miles of express toll lanes on Interstate 405 between Bellevue and Lynnwood.

WSDOT encourages drivers to plan ahead for a new-look I-405 commute beginning Monday, Sept. 28. As with other, similar projects around the country, volumes in express toll lanes will likely be low during the first few months, but then increase over time. This could mean additional congestion to the regular lanes during peak hours.

“We expect a period of adjustment—maybe six months, maybe a year—as I-405 drivers learn how to use the new system,” said Assistant Secretary Craig Stone. “Once drivers get comfortable, this system will move more people, more efficiently in both the express toll lanes and the regular lanes.”

Don’t get flagged for a penalty

Beginning today, there are several major changes drivers should prepare for:

• The new carpool rules set by the Washington State Transportation Commission will require three or more people during weekday commute periods from 5 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.Two people qualify as a carpool all other times, including weekends.
• Qualifying carpools must have a Good To Go! account and Flex Pass set to HOV mode to travel toll-free in the express toll lanes. In addition, motorcyclists must have a Good To Go!motorcycle pass to ride toll free in the express toll lanes. WSDOT is offering one free motorcycle through a brief online survey while supplies last.
• New double white lines mean drivers may only enter and exit the express toll lanes at designated access points marked by a dashed white line. Drivers who illegally cross the double white line could receive a $136 ticket from Washington State Patrol. WSDOT developed an interactive map of entry and exit points to help drivers plan their trips in the express toll lanes and understand how the toll-rate signs work.