VPP Projects Involving Tolls
Category: Systemwide Pricing

Project - WASHINGTON: Express Lanes System Concept Study

The Washington State DOT (WSDOT) operates a 225 lane-mile HOV system, as well as two reversible general purpose express lane facilities (one of which will be replaced with light rail). Much of the HOV system has not met adopted speed and reliability standards for several years, impacting transit performance and costs. WSDOT has proposed to convert the HOV and express lane system into a network of tolled express lanes that would continue to serve transit and carpools at no cost, while allowing paying customers to enter the lanes for trips where timely arrival is particularly important. The price would be set dynamically based on traffic conditions in order to maintain high throughput and reliable speeds.

WSDOT believes that an express lane system should be implemented to provide a consistent experience for its users throughout the region. This project will identify and recommend solutions for system-wide policy and design issues to define the express lanes concept for the Puget Sound region, develop specific implementation concepts for I-5, and propose system-level program staging that could be applied to complete the evolution from HOV lanes to tolled express lanes.

Pre-implementation Funds Awarded

December 2009

Anticipated Completion Date

June 2012

October - December 2011 Update

The consultant team has developed draft working papers on user requirements and system design considerations, used by an interagency project coordination group to form initial system design and policy recommendations. Current consultant efforts are focused on identifying potential express toll lane design concepts for Interstate 5 between Tacoma and Everett, WA. This work is close to completion, and work is underway on a final project report. Over winter 2012, WSDOT executives will review design concepts and key policy issues, with particular focus on HOV discounts or exemptions, use of photo tolling, pricing structure and access issues. The final project report is expected by June 2012.

For More Information Contact

Rob Fellows
Tolling Division
Washington State DOT
Phone: (206) 464-1257

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Search Tolling and Pricing: Home About Tolling and Pricing Programs Value Pricing Pilot Program Express Lanes Demonstration Program HOV Facilities Interstate System Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Pilot Program Interstate System Construction Toll Pilot Program Title 23 United States Code Section 129 Toll Agreements Team Webinar Series Resources Expression of Interest Regulations/Policy FAQs	Home > VPP Program > Projects > Involving Tolls > Systemwide Pricing VPP Projects Involving Tolls Category: Systemwide Pricing Project - WASHINGTON: Express Lanes System Concept Study The Washington State DOT (WSDOT) operates a 225 lane-mile HOV system, as well as two reversible general purpose express lane facilities (one of which will be replaced with light rail). Much of the HOV system has not met adopted speed and reliability standards for several years, impacting transit performance and costs. WSDOT has proposed to convert the HOV and express lane system into a network of tolled express lanes that would continue to serve transit and carpools at no cost, while allowing paying customers to enter the lanes for trips where timely arrival is particularly important. The price would be set dynamically based on traffic conditions in order to maintain high throughput and reliable speeds. WSDOT believes that an express lane system should be implemented to provide a consistent experience for its users throughout the region. This project will identify and recommend solutions for system-wide policy and design issues to define the express lanes concept for the Puget Sound region, develop specific implementation concepts for I-5, and propose system-level program staging that could be applied to complete the evolution from HOV lanes to tolled express lanes. Pre-implementation Funds Awarded December 2009 Anticipated Completion Date June 2012 October - December 2011 Update The consultant team has developed draft working papers on user requirements and system design considerations, used by an interagency project coordination group to form initial system design and policy recommendations. Current consultant efforts are focused on identifying potential express toll lane design concepts for Interstate 5 between Tacoma and Everett, WA. This work is close to completion, and work is underway on a final project report. Over winter 2012, WSDOT executives will review design concepts and key policy issues, with particular focus on HOV discounts or exemptions, use of photo tolling, pricing structure and access issues. The final project report is expected by June 2012. For More Information Contact Rob Fellows Tolling Division Washington State DOT Phone: (206) 464-1257 Back to Systemwide Pricing
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