The I-405 express toll lanes opened Sunday, replacing the carpool lane from the junction with I-5 in Lynnwood to Northeast Sixth Street in Bellevue. South of Highway 522, the state also added an additional lane for two express toll lanes.
Did they take away any general purpose lanes? No.
Do I have to pay to drive on I-405?
Not necessarily. Only if you use a toll lane.
How much are tolls?
From 75 cents to $10, depending on traffic and distance traveled. The typical toll is expected to be 75 cents to $4. Vehicles without a Good To Go account pay $2 extra.
How will I know?
Signs show current toll rates for the three zones of travel and list carpool requirements. The rate and the carpool requirements that are posted when you enter the lane reflect what you will pay, even if those figures change during your travel in the lane.
When are they open?
24/7.
Who can drive free?
If you take transit, are part of a registered vanpool, ride a motorcycle or meet carpool requirements. A transponder is needed in each case.
What’s new for carpools?
Carpools must have a Good To Go account, a Flex Pass switched to “HOV” mode and carry at least three people during peak periods (or at least two people all other times). Peak periods are 5-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. weekdays.
What about visitors?
The state will send them a bill in the mail (toll plus $2). Or, you can temporarily add them to your account.
How much is a pass?
The cheapest is a $5 sticker. The most expensive is the $15 Flex Pass that switches between “HOV” and “TOLL” modes.
What else do I have to pay?
It costs $30 to open a Good To Go account. With a credit or debit card, the account automatically refills to $30 when you hit an $8 minimum balance.
Do I need to sign up?
No. You can do absolutely nothing and still drive in the toll lanes. You’ll get a bill for the toll, plus $2.
Do I really need a pass?
No. You can set up a pay-by-plate account. You pay the toll, plus 25 cents.
Where can I get set up?
Online at mygoodtogo.com. You can also call 866-936-8246. Select Walgreens, QFC and Fred Meyer stores sell passes, but you’d still need to go online or call Good To Go to set up an account. See a list of retail locations at www.wsdot.wa.gov/GoodToGo/retail.htm. There also are walk-in customer service centers in Seattle, Bellevue and Gig Harbor.
How much did building the toll lanes cost?
From engineering to construction, $338 million, or $19.8 million per mile. Gas taxes covered most of the project, which was on time and under budget.
Where does my toll go?
About 65 percent will go to maintenance and operations. Anything above that goes back into I-405 projects.
An extended Q-and-A is at www.heraldnet.com/streetsmarts.
