View HOT Lanes Map
Take a virtual drive in the HOT lane with Rachel. View a Computer Animation Video:
Windows Media PlayerReal Player
See all the new signs and learn what they mean.
|
• Solo drivers must have Good To Go!
• Illegal to cross the double-white line.
• No trucks over 10,000 lbs gross vehicle weight. |
What are HOT Lanes?
HOT lanes (high occupancy toll lanes) are like high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes but they also offer a new option for solo drivers to escape congestion on SR 167. By paying an electronic toll, anyone with a Good To Go! transponder can enjoy a stress-free, reliable trip in the carpool lane even when driving alone.
HOT lanes began operating in May 2008, with a single HOT lane running in each direction of SR 167 for approximately nine miles between Renton and Auburn. The highway's two general purpose lanes in each direction remain toll free and open to all.
Carpools ride free
Carpools of two people or more, vanpools, transit and motorcycles use HOT lanes toll-free just like an HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lane, and they do not need a transponder.
It is illegal for any vehicle to cross the double white lines that separate HOT lanes from the general purpose lanes. Zones accessing in and out of HOT lanes are marked by a single dashed line.
A more efficient SR 167
When there is extra space in the HOT lane, solo drivers can pay an electronic toll using a Good To Go! transponder for a faster, more reliable trip. Adding just enough additional vehicles to the HOT lane will make the carpool lane more efficient and ease congestion in all the lanes.
Toll rates increase and decrease with the level of congestion to ensure that traffic in the HOT lane always flows freely and carpools enjoy the same fast and reliable trip they have in HOV lanes.
Open a Good To Go! account and take the HOT lane when you can't afford to be late.
SR 167 drivers need to know:
- No Double-Crossing. The HOT lane is separated from the general-purpose lanes by a double white line. It is illegal to cross the double white line. Access zones are marked by a single dashed line.
- Watch the Signs. A sign announces a HOT lane access zone approaching a half mile before each dashed-line entrance point. Another electronic sign indicates the current toll price at the beginning of each access zone.
- Pilot Project. HOT lanes on SR 167 is a four-year pilot project. WSDOT will be monitoring, evaluating and adjusting the system.
Learn more about:
Why is WSDOT
studying HOT Lanes on SR 167?
WSDOT is always looking for innovative ways to improve traffic flow and ease congestion.
Thanks to advances in technology, HOT lanes can help make our roads more efficient by making better use of unused space in the carpool lane.
SR 167 connects communities between Renton and Tacoma and provides the Puget Sound region with a vital alternative to Interstate 5. It was chosen as the site for the HOT lanes pilot project because its HOV lanes are underused.
Learn more about other issues:
The End Result
The HOT lanes pilot project is helping WSDOT learn how variable tolling can improve traffic flow. WSDOT will be asking both carpoolers and solo drivers how they feel about this the new commuting option throughout the four-year pilot period.
In addition to opening nine miles of HOT lanes in the southbound and northbound lanes of SR 167, WSDOT plans to improve the northbound SR 167 exit ramps to I-405 as part of this project.
Project Benefits
- A new commute option
- Faster, more reliable trips
- Increased efficiency
- Increased enforcement
- Toll-free express trips for carpools and transit.
- Congestion relief
- A safer SR 167
- Environmental improvements
What is the project timeline?
- The SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project opened on May 3, 2008.
- After opening, a detailed monitoring and evaluation period began.
- WSDOT will provide annual reports to the legislature and the Transportation Commission. Resports will be available on the WSDOT Web site.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Gas Tax - $12.74 Million
- Federal Highway Administration - $5.13 Million
These funds are provided through Federal Formula Funds and a grant from the Federal Highway Administration's Value Pricing Program.
Total Funding Available from all Sources - $17.87 Million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
HOT lanes information team
Urban Corridors Office
401 2nd Ave. S
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206-464-1184
back to top