Commuters take note: starting Monday, January 12, the game changes for the northbound HOV lane on State Route 167 between Sumner and Pacific. It's set to become an express toll lane. This shift aligns with the existing express toll lanes along SR 167 and is part of a broader move to streamline traffic. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) had to push back this update, previously scheduled for last October, due to repair works on the SR 167 bridge over Third Avenue Southwest. With the repairs complete, the new tolling system is ready to roll out, as detailed in a recent release from WSDOT.
For drivers who want to avoid paying the toll, there's a catch: they'll need to quickly set up a Good To Go! account and have a Flex Pass in HOV mode. Additionally, they must ensure to always have at least one passenger with them. Motorcyclists are also subject to this rule and need to have an associated motorcycle pass. These measures are part of an effort to both manage traffic more effectively and promote carpooling. According to WSDOT, drivers without an account will be billed via mail and charged the pay by mail toll rate, which comes with an additional $2 per trip fee.
WSDOT is encouraging people to get ahead of the changes by signing up for a Good To Go! account—which doesn't cost a thing—and grabbing a free Flex Pass or motorcycle pass, available while supplies last. For those in need of a pass, it's a phone call away at 866-936-8246. WSDOT cautions about longer-than-usual waiting times due to the anticipated increase in calls from people getting ready for the new tolling system.
To ensure all drivers can keep to their daily routes without additional toll costs, SR 167's non-tolled, general-purpose lanes will remain open. This option provides a no-cost alternative for those who choose to not engage with the express toll system. As the region looks at a more streamlined transportation experience across its highways, the integration of this final section into the SR 167 express toll lane network appears to be a move towards that vision as reported by WSDOT.
