Before I-405 tolling begins, double line rules are in effect

Double white lines continue to be painted this week along the high-occupancy vehicle lanes on I-405 between Lynnwood and Bellevue in preparation for the switch to tolling, scheduled for Sept. 27.

Crossing double-white lines is illegal and can get you a $136 ticket.

The white lines will separate express toll lane traffic from the general purpose lanes. Drivers will only be able to enter and exit the lanes at direct-access ramps or at designated access points (where the double white lines give way to dashed white lines).

In all, 30,000 feet of striping is being laid down for the project.

While tolling doesn’t start until Sept. 27, you can get ticketed now for crossing the double white lines.

“This will be a big change for carpoolers traveling between Bothell and Lynnwood, and we expect some initial confusion and frustration on the commute as drivers adjust,” said Lisa Hodgson, WSDOT project engineer.

It’s not the only thing to get used to as a carpooler.

To use express toll lanes free as a carpool, vehicles will need at least three occupants during peak commute times and have a Flex Pass transponder switched to “HOV mode” that’s tied to an active Good To Go account.

The picture painted on the pavement of how it will all look is incomplete.

Striping work was delayed Sept. 18 when striping equipment had mechanical problems, then was canceled Sept. 20 because of rain.

So some stretches of northbound I-405 are only partially done.

“Pay attention — it looks different. It’s a work in progress,” said Steve Peer, a WSDOT spokesperson. “By the end of the week, barring no rain, we should be fine.”

The last big push will happen in the southern stretch of the project, from Bothell to Bellevue. Three lanes of I-405 in that stretch will be closed from 11 p.m. Friday to noon Sunday.

“Really know before you go … or just avoid the whole area,” Peer said.

Find an interactive map at www.wsdot.wa.gov/tolling/405/map and learn more about tolling on I-405 at GoodToGo405.org.

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