11 things that will help you better navigate new 405 express lanes

The new express toll lanes along Interstate 405 between Bellevue and Lynnwood continue to create confusion for drivers. Although traffic flow may be improving slightly, crashes have more than doubled in the fall of 2015.

What's the problem?

Transportation officials told the Seattle Times in October that travel times on I-405 are on par for the same time last year, despite a 5 to 10 percent increase in traffic volumes.

But 119 vehicles crashed last week compared to just 48 in the same week last year.

Last week, the Washington State Patrol handed out 40 tickets and 358 warnings on I-405. Most were for people who crossed over the double white line.

Whether you use the lanes or not, here are some things you need to know

1.) I don't use the HOV lane, so what? 

If you don't use the HOV lanes, all you need to know is not to cross the double white lines. If you do, it could result in a $136 ticket.

2.) How do I get into the HOV lane?

The Washington State Department of Transportation has set up designated entry and exit points. Vehicles can enter and exit at dashed segments in the double white lines, or at direct access ramps to Northeast Sixth Street in Bellevue or Northeast 128th Street in Totem Lake.

3.) How many express toll lanes are there in each direction?

There are two express toll lanes in each direction of I-405 between Northeast Sixth Street in Bellevue and just south of SR 522 in Bothell. There is one express toll lane in each direction of I-405 between SR 522 in Bothell and I-5 in Lynnwood.

4.) Why would I use the toll lane?

If you're tired of waiting in traffic, you can legally use the HOV lane by crossing in the designated areas for a price. Toll rates are based on current traffic. The highest rate for a single trip is $10. On Friday, the price shot up to $5.25 after a collision blocked two lanes of the highway near Bothell.

Signs will tell you what you need to know about current rates and carpooling requirements.

5.) How do I pay for toll lanes? 

You can pay tolls with a Good To Go! pass. If you don't have an account, you'll receive a bill in the mail for the Good To Go! pass rate plus an extra $2 per toll transaction.

6.) How can I use the toll lanes for free? 

By carpooling. You'll need three people to form a carpool during peak hours: 5-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. At all other times, only two people are required. If you carpool, you'll need a Flex Pass set to HOV mode and the right number of people to ride toll free in the express toll lanes. Read KIRO  7's report on how the Flexpass works here.

7.) What about motorcycles?

All motorcycles will need a motorcycle pass to ride toll free in the express toll lanes.

8.) Why are there these new lanes? 

The Washington State Department of Transportation said the goal is to keep the HOV lane moving at 45 mph during peak times, and in order to do that, it will be a toll lane into which drivers will be able to cross only at certain points.

9.) What about buses? 

Buses that leave in the morning used to take the HOV lane southbound, but with the double white lines restricting where they can exit, they can’t get off I-405 until they’re already south of the district.

A district spokesperson told KIRO 7 that the buses avoid I-405 during busy times and are now using side streets and other ways to begin their routes. Click here for the full KIRO 7 News report. 

10.) Are large trucks allowed to use the I-405 express toll lanes?

Trucks over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight are not allowed into the express toll lanes.

11.) How do I get set up ahead of time to use the tolls?

If you need more information,  WSDOT set up a website with more on how to use the lanes and the toll rates. Click here to see it.

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Cox Media Group