Thanks to lawmakers, anyone can travel on Memorial Day today in the I-405 express toll lanes. If you like that, you should suggest a state agency keep it that way.
The “open to all” change for nights, weekends and holidays has been in effect since March 18 under emergency rule making. But it’s up to the Washington State Transportation Commission to make it permanent.
As part of that process, public comments will be taken until a July 19 hearing in Olympia, where the final decision is expected. That’s a month more time for public review than the commission originally anticipated.
So far, only a couple comments have come in to the commission. One comment gave kudos for the action, while another said the change doesn’t go far enough.
Earlier, officials with Community Transit had spoken against the change, worried it could damage travel times and make it harder for buses to arrive at their destinations on time.
If you would like to comment, here’s how:
Online at wstc.wa.gov/ContactUs/feedback.htm
Email to transc@wstc.wa.gov
Mail to Washington State Transportation Commission, P.O. Box 47308, Olympia, WA 98504-7308
In person at the 1 p.m. July 19 hearing at WSDOT Headquarters, Nisqually Board Room, 310 Maple Park Ave. SE, Olympia
Have a question? Email us at streetsmarts@heraldnet.com. Please include your first and last name and city of residence. Look for updates on the Street Smarts blog.
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