I-405 Drivers Hit the Jackpot When Tolls Went MIA—Find Out Why!

If you were cruising down southbound I-405 yesterday morning and thought you’d won the lottery, you weren’t alone! The Washington State Department of Transportation confirmed that a signage glitch led to toll rates being displayed as “FREE.” Just picture it: drivers happily zipping past the toll booth, blissfully unaware that their morning commute just turned into a free joyride. Who knew a malfunction could make Mondays feel like weekends?

Normally, commuters brace themselves for tolls that can range from $1 to $15, but on this unusual occasion, it was all free and clear. KIRO Newsradio traffic reporter Chris Sullivan pointed out that the issue was limited to the southbound lanes while nearby highways, like 405 northbound and Highway 167, were still collecting tolls. If only every commute could have this kind of surprise!

And while we can all chuckle about getting something for nothing, the WSDOT is taking this glitch seriously, as they dive into the technical details of what caused such a delightful mix-up. But let’s be real—how many times can you say you drove on a free toll lane? As drivers, we can only hope our luck holds out for longer stretches—no guarantees, though!

So, what’s your take? Have you ever gotten a “free pass” on the road or perhaps at a restaurant? Let’s hear about those unexpected moments of joy—share your stories below!

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