The I-405 Express toll lanes (ETLs) located between Bellevue and Lynnwood opened in September 2015, and the SR 167 high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes located between Renton and Auburn opened in May 2008.
Both facilities are dynamically tolled, meaning the price to travel in these lanes varies based on real-time traffic conditions. Toll rates adjust automatically using an algorithm between a minimum and maximum toll rate for each facility.
The amount being charged for using the I-405 ETLs and SR 167 HOT lanes are displayed on the overhead electronic signs. The amount shown on the sign is what you will pay when you enter the lane, even if the toll rate goes up or down after that time. Rates displayed on the sign are by destination/exit.
Toll revenues from the facilities are dedicated to the I-405/SR 167 corridor and may only be used to pay for the facilities’ operating costs, debt service, and to fund projects identified in the corridor’s master plan.
Toll Rate Adjustments
On January 29, 2024 the Commission adopted the proposed Phase 1 toll rate adjustments for the I-405 Express Toll Lanes (ETLs) and SR 167 High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes. The toll rate changes outlined below will take effect on March 1, 2024 as follows:
- Increase the minimum toll rate to $1
- Increase the maximum toll rate to $15
- Extend evening tolling and peak hour HOV policies by one hour, to 8:00 p.m.
Phase 2 Adjustments up next
The Commission will be entering the second phase of adjusting toll policies for the entire I-405/SR 167 corridor ahead of the next segment of Express Toll Lanes opening in 2025, as follows:
- Phase 1 – Completed: Adjusted toll rates for the current I-405 ETLs and SR 167 HOT Lanes (see above.)
- Phase 2 (Mid-2024 – Early 2025): Review current toll rates and policies and consider adjustments in advance of the opening of the new Bellevue to Renton ETLs in the summer of 2025, along with upgrading toll equipment on SR 167.
You can find more information on Phase 2 activities here.
Key Operational Rules
- Tolling and occupancy requirements are in effect only during the hours of operations for each facility.
- Both facilities operate between 5 a.m. – 8 p.m. (as of March 1) Monday – Friday, with SR 167 HOT lanes also in operation during those hours on weekends.
- Carpools with two or more people are exempt from paying a toll on both I-405 ETLs and SR 167 HOT lanes, except during peak periods of 5 a.m. – 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. (as of March 1) on I-405 ETLs when only carpools with three or more people are exempt. Motorcycles, transit vehicles, and vanpools will also be exempt.
- Drivers without a Good To Go! account can also use the I-405 express toll lanes and will receive a bill in the mail for their trip. Drivers who chose this option will pay $2 above the posted Good To Go! rate in effect at the time of the trip.
Tolled Lanes Bring Benefits
- Travel time reliability: Proves the choice for a faster and more reliable trip, and supports more reliable transit service.
- Reliably manages congestion in real time: Toll rates adjust based on real-time traffic conditions in support of maintaining an average speed of at least 45 mph in the ETL/HOT lanes.
- Helps fund future congestion relief: Revenues fund current and future improvements to the I-405/SR 167 corridor, in addition to funding operations and maintenance costs for the facilities.
Additional information on each facility can be found at the following links:
I-405 Express Toll Lanes
SR 167 HOT Lanes
WAC 468-270