Starting as early as tonight, Sept. 11, drivers can expect overnight lane closures as crews begin to uncover or install over 140 signs on Interstate 405 and city streets leading to the highway in preparation for new express toll lanes.
Crews began installing signs in March, most still covered from view. Work to uncover and install the large number of signs on both sides of the highway will require road closures both this weekend and the following weekend during striping work. Updated closure information is available on the I-405 Construction Updates page.
“If you travel on I-405, you are going to start seeing more and more changes—new signs, new messages, eventually new striping—all important reminders that we’re just over two weeks away from opening the express toll lanes,” Assistant Secretary of Transportation Craig Stone said in a press release.
During the past few months, drivers may have noticed the large, toll rates signs over I-405 displaying test messages. After the toll rates signs are revealed, they will display current HOV lane requirements — HOV ONLY and HOV 2+ ONLY 5 AM – 7 PM — until opening on Sept. 27. Drivers will also see signs to inform them where to enter and exit the express toll lanes and how to pay.
“While tolling won’t start until Sept. 27, these signs will help drivers get used to the look and feel of the system, and we hope will encourage them to learn more about the system and how to plan their commute,” said Stone.
Drivers can use the new express toll lanes mapping tool and animated video to get a virtual feel for a potential trip in the express toll lanes. All I-405 users will want to visit GoodToGo405.org to learn more about I-405 express toll lanes.
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.
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.
