Since the I-405 express toll lanes were installed between Bellevue and Lynwood, many drivers have voiced frustrations about extended wait times and confusing lane markers.
Governor Jay Inslee says he has a plan to help ease the gridlock. Standing in front of dozens of screens showing real-time traffic footage at the state’s new Transportation Management Center in Shoreline, Inslee said the state needs hone in on traffic problems.
He said although the I-405 express lanes have helped shorten bus commutes, drivers headed northbound have actually seen drive times increase.
“So for those drivers they have had substantial frustration. On average, their wait times, or their traffic times, has gone up about four minutes,” he said.
Inslee is directing the state Department of Transportation to make lane markers less confusing and improve express lane access points. And he also wants to eliminate tolls entirely during evening off-peak hours, weekends and holidays. He said the changes could be implemented as early as this spring.
