HPTE Board approves I-25 Express Lanes Tolls

March 3, 2015 - Statewide Transportation Plan - HPTE Board asks for more public outreach prior to approving US 36 Express Lanes Toll Rates.

DENVER - The High Performance Transportation Enterprise Board (HPTE) today approved the I-25 Express Lanes new toll rate schedule and an increase to the civil penalty for toll evasion. Also, the Board asked for additional public outreach to be conducted on the US 36 Express Lanes Phase 1 toll rate schedule before a decision on the rates would be made.   

“The Express Lanes toll rates proposed by Plenary Roads Denver (PRD) (the concessionaire managing the I-25 and US 36 Express Lanes) must be able to provide a reliable, safe service and ensure reliable travel times for carpools, solo drivers and the Regional Transportation District buses that use them,” HPTE Board Member Don Marostica said. “Since the US 36 Express Lanes will open mid-summer, we would like for additional public outreach to be conducted on the toll rates before the Board makes a decision.”

At the meeting, PRD, presented proposed new toll rates for I-25 and US 36 Express Lanes, as well as an increase in the civil penalty toll evaders. The Board also heard public comment on the toll rates.  

The HPTE Board approved the following from the proposed toll and penalty schedule:

  • New toll rates for the existing I-25 Express Lanes, to take effect on Monday, March 16

  • New civil penalty to serve as a stronger deterrent against toll evasion. The penalty will increase from $46 to $250, to take effect on Monday, March 16

CDOT encourages drivers to create an ExpressToll account and get a pass to use on the Express Lanes to avoid License Plate Tolls, which cost much more to administer and therefore are more expensive. Drivers using an ExpressToll pass will pay less for tolls, as they will not incur a license plate fee.

In 2014, HPTE selected PRD as the concessionaire for the US 36 Express Lanes project. This summer, Phase 1 of the project (Pecos Street to 88th Street in Louisville/Superior) will open. Currently, PRD is operating and maintaining the I-25 Express Lanes.

###

About Express Lanes: Express Lanes increase roadway capacity and help to manage congestion on the highways. The use of toll pricing during peak travel times reduces delays, manages congestion and maintains reliable travel times. Express Lanes currently span seven miles on I-25, between downtown Denver and US 36. For more information, visit expresslanes.codot.gov.

About the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE): The HPTE operates as a government-owned, independent business within CDOT. It searches out innovative ways to finance projects to help Colorado fulfill its commitment to increase travel choices through options that include Express Lanes, transit, biking, walking and carpooling. For more information, visit www.coloraddohpte.com.