Date:
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Contact:
Contacts: Victoria Tobin, WSDOT Communications, 206-464-1184 (Seattle)
Greg Phipps, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4702 (Seattle)
KENT –The State Route 167 high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes open this Saturday between Renton and Auburn, and carpoolers are already getting a preview of how the lanes will work.
Crews have placed the double white stripe that separates the HOT lane from the regular lane and the dashed line that indicates the access zones where drivers can enter or exit the HOT lane. New road rules for carpools, vanpool, transit and motorcycles are in effect. New rules for toll-paying solo drivers start Saturday, May 3.
- Drivers may only enter or exit the HOT lane at six northbound and four southbound access zones. The quarter-mile long access zones are located beyond on-ramps and prior to off-ramps to allow for safe merging. Drivers need to watch for access signs.
- Drivers who cross the double white line to get in or out of the HOT lane risk a ticket of $124 or more. Washington State Patrol troopers are already out enforcing the law.
“Drivers face a learning curve with any change in striping,” said WSDOT Urban Corridors Administrator Craig Stone. “We are working to make sure the markings are as clear as possible and ask drivers to pay attention to the striping and signs on SR 167.”
Many carpoolers have asked how limiting access in an out of the HOT will benefit them. The double white line and access points:
- identify areas where merging in the HOT lanes will occur so drivers know when to expect other vehicles to enter or exit the lane.
- reduce the risk of rear-end collisions by limiting frequent lane changing in and out of the HOT lanes.
- enable smoother lane flow by reducing lane shifting.
- allow electronic toll collection without toll booths and help troopers more effectively enforce the new tolling system.
Carpoolers with transponders in their vehicles should start using the metal shield to disable the transponder when driving in the HOT lanes. The metal shields are available for $3.50 each from Good To Go! customer service centers. Call customer service at 1-866-936-8245 (1-866-WDOT2GO) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, to purchase a shield. Solo drivers who want to use the HOT lanes must open a Good To Go! account and install a transponder on their windshield. Learn how to open an account on the Good To Go! Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/goodtogo. Drivers can also get information and open an account in person at these mobile Good To Go! customer service office events:
- 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 2, at the Renton Wal-Mart, 743 Rainier Avenue S.
- 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at the James Street Park & Ride in Kent, 902 W. James Street.
WSDOT is converting nine miles of HOV lanes on SR 167 between Renton and Auburn to a single HOT lane in each direction. With HOT lanes, solo drivers will have the choice to pay an electronic toll without stopping to use the HOT lane and escape traffic back ups when they can’t afford to be late. The toll will be collected by the same Good To Go! transponders currently in use on the new Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The HOT lane will be toll-free for carpools, vanpools, buses and motorcycles.
For more information, view the SR 167 HOT Lanes Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR167/HOTLanes.
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