Permanent Pavement on US 36 Complete to Boulder

January 20, 2016 - Denver Metro/CDOT Region 1 - Second Phase of US 36 Express Lanes Open for Testing.

DENVER -- The High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Plenary Roads Denver (PRD) today announced the opening of the final stretch of permanent pavement on US 36 between Louisville and Boulder, opening both phases of the US 36 Express Lanes. Both east and westbound Express Lanes from 88th Street in Louisville to Table Mesa in Boulder will have the toll fees waived for a brief testing period through early 2016. Tolling on the existing US 36 Express Lanes between Federal and 88th Street - that opened in July 2015 - will still be in effect during this testing period.

“Drivers who want to use the Express Lanes for free on the west end of the US 36 corridor are encouraged to do so, however, we want to stress the fact that toll collection will begin just east of West Flatiron Circle Exit,” said David Spector, HPTE Director. “Those who have not driven in the Express Lanes already should use this testing period as an opportunity to try the new lanes, experience the new permanent pavement and configuration of the highway, and determine if they’ll use the lanes in the future.”

The US 36 Express Lanes Project is a multi-modal, public-private partnership led by CDOT, HPTE, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) andPRD. The project includes two free general purpose lanes in each direction, one tolled Express Lane in each direction, and a bikeway along the US 36 corridor – offering users the choice to ride the bus, carpool, bike, use the two free reconstructed general purpose lanes or pay a toll in the Express Lanes.

The two Express Lanes that are open for testing were constructed to increase transportation choices, road capacity and help manage congestion on the highway. During the brief testing period, Express Lanes users are reminded that:

  • Buses, High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) and any type of vehicle can use the Express Lanes while tolls are waived

  • Speed limits must be adhered to as the lanes are still part of a construction zone

  • To use the US 36 Express Lanes after the testing period, tolled riders will need an ExpressToll account and pass, or they can choose to pay via a License Plate Toll (with additional surcharge). Carpoolers can use the Express Lanes for free using a switchable HOV transponder. Motorcyclists will also need an ExpressToll account and pass to use the Express Lanes for free.

  • Getting an ExpressToll account and pass to use the US 36 Express Lanes saves time and money. Commuters can go online to expresstoll.com to set up an account and order a pass.

"With drivers now using permanent pavement on the US 36 Express lanes, we want to acknowledge the successful public-private partnership with CDOT, HPTE and RTD that has allowed us to get to this point,” said Terry Ostrom, senior vice president of project delivery for Plenary Roads Denver. “This partnership allows for greater private sector participation in the delivery, financing and maintenance of the US 36 Express Lanes project, not to mention providing efficient and multiple travel options to the thousands of people who rely on the US 36 corridor."

Once the testing period is complete, toll collection will begin on this section of the US 36 Express Lanes. Toll information can be found on CDOT’s website. Tolls regulate traffic volume in the Express Lanes to ensure travel times are reliable. Travelers can always choose to travel in adjacent general purpose lanes for free. Anyone can use the Express Lanes by:

  • Carpooling without a toll with two occupants (driver plus one); three occupants (driver plus two) will be required by no later than 2017

  • Using transit by traveling on RTD’s Bus Rapid Transit or local bus system

  • Paying a toll if there is only a single occupant in the vehicle, or two occupants beginning no later than 2017.

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.coloradohpte.com.

About Plenary Roads Denver (PRD):
PRD is a Denver-based consortium of industry leading firms established to efficiently deliver improvements to the US 36 corridor. By creating a team of experts from each part of the infrastructure industry, PRD is able to ensure an integrated roadway, bus rapid transit system, and bikeway that serve the needs of all residents. PRD ‘s team consists of Ames Construction, Granite Construction, HDR and Broad Spectrum, and is led by Plenary Group, an investor, developer and operator of public infrastructure projects in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Plenary Group’s U.S. headquarters is located in Los Angeles, Calif., with additional offices in Denver, Colo.