People interested in commenting on the Washington State Transportation Commission’s toll rate proposal for the Interstate 405 express toll lanes will have two more opportunities next week. The express toll lanes will open later this year on the north end of I-405 between Bellevue and Lynnwood.
Meetings will be held:
Online virtual public meeting: 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 17. 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 (http://wstc.wa.gov) on how to participate in this meeting.
Kirkland City Hall: 6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, at 123 Fifth Ave. 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.
The WSTC will hold a final meeting from 6:30-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, again at Kirkland City Hall. The WSTC will take public comment at this meeting and is expected to take 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.
The commission’s toll rate proposal for the I-405 express toll lanes include Good To Go! toll rates ranging 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 also will 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.
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.
Other ways people can comment on the proposal until the March 18 hearing:
Email: transc@wstc.wa.gov. Indicate “405 ETL” in the subject line.
Website: Submit comments utilizing the online comment form on the commission’s website, under “contact us”: http://wstc.wa.gov/ContactUs/feedback.htm
Online Discussion Forums: People can join the Voice of Washington State (VOWS) input program and post ideas and comments utilizing the commission’s online discussion forums. Persons will be able to see all the comments submitted and can vote on them.
In Writing: Washington State Transportation Commission, P.O. Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308
Phone: 360-705-7070.
