Tolling on US 36 Begins in One Week
DENVER, CO – On July 22, one week from today, toll collection on Phase 1 of the US 36 Express Lanes will begin. In addition, on the same day, both of the current I-25 Express Lanes into downtown Denver will be open for tolled and HOV drivers, so carpoolers on both highways will need to get the new, switchable pass to travel for free.
Led by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE), Phase 1 of the US 36 Express Lanes Project, from Federal Boulevard to 88th Street in Louisville/Superior, has been open for almost a month. Toll collection has been waived for drivers using the Express Lane so the tolling equipment could be tested.
All drivers are encouraged to get an ExpressToll account and pass before next week. For carpoolers, the new switchable pass is the only device that will allow them to travel in the lanes for free, and for single drivers, the pass saves them money by not having to pay a license plate surcharge. Single drivers that already have a pass, can keep their current passes. Motorcycle drivers will also need an account and pass to use the lanes for free.
“We don’t want anyone to be caught off guard, so we hope everyone gets their account and pass set up by next Wednesday,” said HPTE Director Michael Cheroutes. “If you have the pass, you have more choices for a lower price than without one and can take advantage of all the great options that Express Lanes offer.”
To get a pass, go to expresslanes.codot.gov or expresstoll.com and you will receive it in three to five business days.
The toll rates for the Express Lanes change depending upon the time of day and are posted on overhead signage. Drivers can only enter and exit the Express Lanes along US 36 by crossing the dotted white lines and should not cross the double white line, which separates the Express Lanes from two free general purpose lanes.
The US 36 Express Lanes Project is a multi-modal project that is building an express lane in each direction on US 36, in addition to the two free general purpose lanes. The Express Lanes accommodate High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and tolled vehicles. In addition, the project is replacing several bridges, building a commuter bikeway, adding BRT improvements, and installing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for tolling, transit and traveler information, and incident management. Phase 1, from Federal Boulevard to 88th Street in Louisville/Superior, is open. Phase 2, from 88th Street to Table Mesa Drive in Boulder, will open in 2016.
For more information, visit www.codot.gov/programs/
