A peer-to-peer workshop was hosted by Washington State  DOT (WSDOT) Toll Division, with support from the Volpe National Transportation Center. The workshop focused on the lessons learned from the recent conversion of a 17-mile section of the I-405 HOV lanes in Seattle to dynamically priced express toll lanes. Prior to the conversion, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes were often as congested as the general purpose lanes and failed to provide a reliable trip for transit and carpools. Additional demand with King County's population, expected to increase 33 percent by 2040, would have decreased performance further. The I-405 express toll lanes would preserve sustainably reliable speeds for transit and higher-occupancy carpools while providing an option for non-carpools to pay a toll for a more reliable trip. Toll rates are adjusted depending on real-time traffic conditions and the vehicle pays the rate shown to the driver upon entering the lanes.

Data collected by WSDOT indicate that dynamic pricing has streamlined express lane traffic flow, reduced overall travel times during peak periods, and greatly exceeded toll revenue projections. Some shorter general purpose trips were longer than before; therefore, two-person carpools were displaced during peak periods leading to controversy over the first six months of operation.

This webinar will explore all aspects of the I-405 Express Lane project-how WSDOT responded to uneven performance and controversy, and the lessons learned from WSDOT and peer agency participants. Also, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will provide the national context for express lane tolling and a summary of federal managed lanes guidance and resources.