![]() ![]() It takes a serious weather situation to affect the express lanes. The weather forecast plays a big role in determining whether our crews can safely reverse the express lanes and keep the roadway and ramps safe for the public. Sometimes, because of construction, special events, or extreme weather, the schedule changes. Snow and ice along the Mercer Street ramp to the I-5 express lanes On weekends, they are open southbound from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., northbound from 1:45-11 p.m. and are closed to all traffic from 11 p.m.-5 a.m. Our Transportation Management Center oversees the operation, using traffic cameras to verify that signs are correct and there is no traffic in the lanes.ĭuring a typical weekday, the express lanes operate southbound from 5-11 a.m., northbound from 11:15 a.m.-11 p.m.Our Incident Response Team drives up and down the lanes clearing them of vehicles and debris before the switch is made.Our Signals team handles the signs, the gates that close the express lanes to the direction in which they aren’t operating and a safety net that adds an extra bit of security to keep cars from entering in the wrong direction.To complete the typical reversal process from one direction to another, it takes multiple crews. The lanes are operated on a typical daily schedule that allows for changes on weekends and occasionally for major scheduled events. They are designed to offer a faster commute option for drivers by having fewer exits/entrances compared to the mainline lanes of I-5. The I-5 express lanes are a set of reversible highway lanes that operate either northbound or southbound, changing direction based on traffic volume twice daily. It is important to know how the express lanes function before you know how weather affects them. Express Lanes 101Ī map of the I-5 express lanes and its on and off-ramps in Seattle To answer, it helps to start at the beginning. And the main question is always "Why?" Fair question. This has been our practice for years, though it always seems to catch people by surprise. Freezing weather can also affect the Interstate 5 express lanes in Seattle, disrupting the commute in our state’s largest city.Īs we saw with the deep freeze that hit our state just before Christmas, extreme winter conditions mean we have to make adjustments to the operations of the express lanes. It leads to increased collisions and spinouts, challenges our highway maintenance teams and significantly alters travel plans. ![]() Although it may lead to some fun snow days for the kids and cute pictures of pets, it also creates frustrating and challenging situations for both commuters and our workers alike. Winter weather, with its bitterly cold temperatures, snowy skies and icy roads, is both a blessing and a curse.
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