HB 3010 - DIGEST

Finds that the central Puget Sound region ranks among the most congested metropolitan areas of the nation.

Finds that the state department of transportation has in service over two hundred miles of high-occupancy vehicle lane miles in the region and it is imperative that those lanes be used to improve mobility within the region.

Declares it is the policy of the legislature to improve the effectiveness of the high-occupancy vehicle lanes by using the excess capacity of those lanes during periods of congestion caused by traffic emergencies.

Requires that, for highways under its jurisdiction, the state department of transportation shall permit all vehicles, except those vehicles licensed for a weight in excess of ten thousand pounds gross vehicle weight, to use those lanes which are otherwise reserved for vehicles carrying a minimum number of occupants during periods of extreme traffic emergencies.

Directs the department to determine criteria when such an emergency should be declared and when it should end. The department shall use appropriate technology to notify the public when an emergency is in effect, including but not limited to public service radio announcements.