I-405 express toll lane signs will light up through summer

Interstate 405 express toll lanes will launch later this year, and WSDOT has been busy installing readers, photo-tolling cameras and 21 new toll rate signs. Starting today, toll engineers will kick-off 24-hour testing to make sure the system correctly reads license plates and assigns toll rates. Drivers do not need to take any action and no tolls will be charged during testing.

May 26, 2015 1:09 pm

The following is a release from the Washington State Department of Transportation:

Interstate 405 express toll lanes will launch later this year, and WSDOT has been busy installing readers, photo-tolling cameras and 21 new toll rate signs. Starting today, toll engineers will kick-off 24-hour testing to make sure the system correctly reads license plates and assigns toll rates. Drivers do not need to take any action and no tolls will be charged during testing.

I-405 users may have seen the signs display different words and symbols during preliminary testing last week. Beginning at 10 a.m. today, the messages will update every five minutes, just as they will when the system opens.

“Some drivers will remember similar testing on the SR 520 Bridge. The messages will look like gibberish to most, but it’s actually meaningful information for our engineers,” said Jennifer Charlebois, WSDOT Roadway Toll System Manager. “When we open the I-405 express toll lanes, these signs will automatically adjust the price to keep the express toll lanes moving at 45 miles per hour or faster.”

The test will conclude when the system shows no critical errors and meets performance requirements, which could as long as 90 days. Additional testing will take place before the express toll lanes launch this fall.

I-405 express toll lanes overview

WSDOT is building one new lane in each direction adjacent to the carpool lanes between Northeast Sixth Street in Bellevue and State Route 522 in Bothell to create a dual, express-toll-lane system, while converting the existing carpool lane between Bothell and Lynnwood into a single, express toll lane. When the project is complete in 2015, 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. Transit, vanpools and carpools meeting the occupancy requirement will be able to use the lanes toll-free with the new Good To Go! Flex Pass.

Get ready for the express toll lanes now

  • Free Flex Passes are available for drivers who regularly carpool on I-405 through WSDOT’s partnership with RideshareOnline.com. Visit GoodtoGo405.com for more information.
  • Drivers who don’t qualify for a free Flex Pass can purchase one for a one-time cost of $15 at GoodToGo.com, by calling 1-866-936-8246 or visiting customer service centers in Seattle, Bellevue and Gig Harbor.
  • Motorcyclists must have a motorcycle pass to use the express toll lanes toll free. Free motorcycle passes will be available to motorcycle drivers who use I-405 while supplies last though a quick survey.
  • Customers need to activate new Flex Passes and remove any existing passes from their vehicle windshield before installing the new Flex Pass in their vehicle.
  • Drivers who do not regularly carpool on I-405 can use any existing pass to pay the toll in the express toll lanes.