Potential toll hike for I-405 and SR 167 could come as early as February 2024, WSDOT says

WASHINGTON — You may soon have to decide if your morning commute will cost you more time or more money.

The Washington Transportation Commission recently held the second of a handful of meetings before a vote on increasing express toll lane rates on I-405 and State Route 167.

"The operational goal of the express toll lanes is to provide that reliability for HOV transit and for those paying the toll," said Ed Barry, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Toll director during the presentation.

According to WSDOT, those lanes are not operating as well as they could. Congestion is affecting the reliability of Sound Transit, especially between popular spots like Canyon Park and Totem Lake.

"During the peak where we have that express toll lane congestion, they need to allocate almost twice as much travel time to get between the two points," said Karl Westby, WSDOT I-405/SR 167 Program Traffic Operations Lead.

Current rates fluctuate with traffic volumes and top out at $9 to10 dollars.

There are two proposals to increase the minimum rate from $0.50 to a $1.00 and the maximum rate to $12 or $15.

WSDOT said they need the money to offset inflation, a workforce shortage, and material cost increases.

Award bids for projects on both corridors is already $275 million over the planned funding mark.

"The stated intent is to increase toll revenue to provide sufficient funds for payment of future debt and to support improvements to the corridor," said Westby.

The commission opened the meeting for public comment, but only one person signed up.

"Costs for individuals in the east King County region who often commute to cities between Bellevue and Renton could be disproportionately affected by a substantial increase in toll rates," said Jodie Alberts with the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce.

The commission will meet again next month to pick a preferred plan and will vote on it in January.

The toll adjustments could take effect as early as February.