We study traffic patterns and congestion data to determine when the express lanes should switch directions to benefit the most people in the overall transportation system. We know that on the weekends and during some special events traffic patterns change and so the express lane schedules also need to be adjusted. Below are the most recent traffic studies we have conducted to determine how we should operate the lanes.
I-5 express lane operation on weekends
WSDOT conducted a study of traffic patterns on weekends to see if the opening of the northbound I-5 express lanes should be delayed by an hour to allow the express lanes to operate southbound for an extra hour.
The study found that the weekend I-5 express lanes schedule should be adjusted to allow the express lanes to operate southbound until 1 p.m. to more evenly distribute delays experienced by drivers traveling into Seattle on I-5 in both directions.
I-90 express lane operation during weekday game nights
WSDOT conducted a study of I-90 express lane traffic during sports events to see if the I-90 express lanes schedules should be adjusted on game days to better relieve traffic congestion.
The study found that on workday evening games, even with fans streaming into Seattle, more traffic still flows away from the game than toward it. At this time, the I-90 express lanes will continue to operate eastbound on workday evenings.
I-5 express lane operation on Saturday Husky Football game days
WSDOT conducted a study of I-5 traffic during Saturday Husky football games to see if the I-5 express lanes schedules should be adjusted on these days to better relieve traffic.
The study found that adjusting the schedule by 30 minutes was enough to ensure that the express lanes were flowing in the most beneficial direction. WSDOT will continue to run the I-5 southbound express lanes on Saturday Husky football game days with a 12:30 p.m. kick-off until 12:30 p.m. instead of noon.
Future Studies
WSDOT will continue to analyze traffic patterns to ensure that the express lanes serve the most people in the overall transportation system.