Rep. Mark Harmsworth releases statement in response to governor’s proposed changes to I-405 express toll lanes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 16, 2016

CONTACT: Kelley Hays, Public Information Officer, (360) 786-7761

 Rep. Mark Harmsworth releases statement in response to governor's proposed changes to I-405 express toll lanes

Rep. Mark Harmsworth, R-Mill Creek, has released the following statement on Gov. Inslee's proposed changes to the I-405 express toll lanes:

“This is a step in the right direction to deal with the massive traffic congestion problems created by the express toll lanes on I-405. Opening the lanes to general traffic during nights, weekends and holidays – for no charge – along with re-striping for longer access zones between toll and general lanes, is a start. It is clear that thousands of I-405 commuters believe we cannot afford to wait any longer for these changes.

“However, this does not fundamentally address the root issue - congestion during peak hours. It is merely a band-aid. In fact, some of the changes could take up to three years to implement. Whereas the general purpose lane that was converted could be changed back much faster.

"While the changes announced today would alleviate some of the traffic congestion, more needs to be done. We need to protect commuters by making these changes permanent by putting them into statute - telling WSDOT they would only have the authority to operate based on these new rules. Senate Bill 6152 and companion House Bill 2312  would achieve this and could be heard as early as next week. I will continue to work across the aisle to reduce traffic congestion for all drivers at all times."

For more information about Rep. Harmsworth, visit: www.representativemarkharmsworth.com.

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