Tolled express lanes on I-405 topic of public meetings next week

What could be more fun on a drizzly gray evening than talking about tolled express lanes?

An invitation from the Washington State Department of Transportation:

WSDOT invites residents and drivers to share their thoughts about the possibility of adding an additional lane on I-405 that, combined with the existing HOV lane, could operate as two express toll lanes...

The I-405 express toll lanes would connect with SR 167 HOT Lanes, creating a seamless “expressway within a freeway.” Carpools, vanpools and transit would be able to count on a more reliable toll-free trip, while solo drivers could choose to buy into the newly-expanded express toll lane system.

The express toll lanes would function similar to the 2008 SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project now underway in south King County. Solo drivers can access the SR 167 high occupancy toll lanes for a fee, freeing up space in the general purpose lanes. In its first year, the SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project increased travel speeds by 8 to 10 percent.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 at Kent-Meridian High School (10020 SE 256th St., Kent)

Thursday, Nov. 5 at Kirkland City Hall (123 5th Ave., Kirkland)

People can drop in to the meetings between 4 and 7 p.m.