OLYMPIA – Two bills aimed at improving mobility in east King County were approved by the House of Representatives this afternoon. Lawmakers cleared a measure that establishes tolls on the SR 520 bridge across Lake Washington and another measure that authorizes express toll lanes on I-405 from Bellevue to I-5 at Lynnwood. The toll revenues will support the corridors’ respective improvements.
“Our infrastructure is outdated,” said Rep. Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island, chairwoman of the House Transportation Committee. “These two corridors are among the most congested in the state, and as east King County continues to grow, the problem will only get worse unless we do something. The toll revenues will pay for a much-needed replacement bridge for 520 and improvements for 405 to keep people moving.”
Senate Bill 5700 approves the toll rates set forth by the Washington State Transportation Commission for the 520 bridge. In the past, the Commission had the authority to set the toll rates itself, but Legislative approval is now needed to comply with the provisions of Initiative 1053 passed by voters last fall. The bill’s passage keeps the 520 project on schedule by allowing the state to issue toll-backed bonds and begin tolling in April. It re-authorizes measures approved by the Legislature in 2009 and 2010.
Clibborn’s HB 1382 authorizes express toll lanes in the northern part of the 405 corridor. The lanes are expected to make more efficient use of the existing highway while providing revenue for corridor improvements such as new lanes and interchanges.
Under the proposal, transportation officials would turn the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes into toll lanes. Carpools would continue to enjoy free access to HOV lanes, but single-occupancy vehicles would also be eligible if they paid a toll. The toll rate would vary according to traffic conditions so that speeds average 45 miles per hour. No general-purpose lanes would be converted to express toll lanes.
Studies have shown that express toll lanes make more efficient use of existing infrastructure, boosting traffic volume and speed in both the express toll lanes and the general purpose lanes. Clibborn expects all motorists to notice improved conditions because of the toll lanes.
The bills now move to the Senate for consideration. More information about 520 tolling is available here. Information on 405 is here.