The following is a release from the office of Rep. Rosemary McAuliffe:

The supplemental transportation budget passed by the Senate on Tuesday includes a variety of directives and investments aimed at reducing congestion and adding capacity to the I-405 express toll lane corridor. In total, the budget identifies and commits $45 million from funds raised by the tolls to improve the flow of traffic on the corridor between I-5 and State Route 520.

“I’ve heard from thousands of constituents who have voiced their frustrations about the express toll lanes along I-405,” said Rosemary McAuliffe, who represents north Kirkland and Bothell from the 1st District. “I’m relieved to see that this budget includes many provisions that I believe will go a long way towards easing those frustrations.”

The budget also directs the Washington State Transportation Commission to initiate changes to improve the operations of the I-405 express toll lanes with the goal of reducing travel time and the cost of travel. The commission is also directed to consider eliminating tolls during evening nonpeak hours, weekends and holidays, lengthening access points to make it easier to merge, and improving signage to reduce confusion.

“The most important part of this budget is it requires public hearings when adopting changes to the toll lanes,” McAuliffe said. “Many in my community have felt voiceless since the tolls have been in place. I know that this legislation will not completely satisfy everyone’s concerns but it does recognize that people are frustrated and takes steps to improve the I-405 corridor. I’m hopeful that this will bring more people to the table so that we can have a productive conversation about how to make these lanes work for all people.”

McAuliffe introduced legislation last Thursday to study ways to improve I-405 express toll lanes. Many of the components of that bill are now being acted upon in this year’s transportation budget.

The transportation budget now heads to the House for further consideration.