Tolls begin next week on North I-25 Express Lanes, US 36 to 120th

July 5, 2016 - Metro Denver Colorado/CDOT Region 1 - Toll collection starts July 12; CDOT reminds drivers to get a pass

DENVER -- The High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) and Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) are reminding the public that toll collection on the North I-25 Express Lanes, between US 36 and 120th Avenue, will begin on Tuesday, July 12. The North I-25 Express Lanes opened for testing in mid-March with tolls waived to allow drivers to learn how to use the lane, sign up for an ExpressToll account and pass, and for CDOT to test equipment. CDOT’s Express Lanes are helping to reduce travel time in the Express Lanes and in the free general purpose lanes.

“Express Lanes can deliver more consistent, faster speeds and reduce travel times,” said HPTE Communications Manager Megan Castle. “All travelers are expected to benefit from the opening of the Express Lanes to reduce travel times in this critical corridor connecting the north metro area to Denver and I-70.”

The North I-25 Express Lanes will be available 24 hours a day. They connect to the Central I-25 Express Lanes, which are reversible and open in different directions depending on the time of day. There are three northbound and three southbound entrances into the new Express Lanes. CDOT wants to encourage throughput and will charge the same price no matter where drivers enter the Express Lanes. From northbound I-25, entrances are before 84th Avenue, Thornton Parkway and 104th Avenue. From southbound I-25, entrances are after 120th Avenue, before Thornton Parkway and before 84th Avenue.

The toll rates will range in price depending on the time of day to ensure a reliable travel time for people in the Express Lanes. For example, on the southbound North I-25 Express Lanes during peak travel times, 7:15-8:15 a.m., the toll rate for drivers with a pass will be $2.25, and the license plate toll will be $5.56. On northbound I-25, between US 36 and 120th Avenue, toll rates from 4:30-6 p.m. will be $3 for drivers with an ExpressToll account and pass, and $6.75 for a License Plate Toll. The complete toll schedule is available online.  

If you are planning to use the North I-25 Express Lanes, CDOT recommends getting an ExpressToll account and pass to save money and avoid License Plate Toll charges. Drivers are never forced to pay a toll and can always use the free general purpose lanes or choose to carpool (free for vehicles with two or more people and a switchable transponder pass)*.

CDOT and HPTE encourage all drivers to have an ExpressToll account and pass to save money on every trip in the Express Lanes. The ExpressToll pass works on all Colorado’s Express Lanes and toll roads, such as the Northwest Parkway and E-470, and allows drivers to save money every time. Drivers can save money on tolls by visiting www.expresstoll.com to set up an ExpressToll account.

*NOTE:

  • CDOT is in the process of making changes to motorcycle and carpooling pass requirements to make it easier to use CDOT’s HOV Express Lanes

  • As of Jan. 1, 2017, all carpoolers will be HOV 3+, or driver plus two passengers to use the HOV Express Lanes for free with a transponder

  • Go to codot.gov/programs/expresslanes for upated information

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 are open between 120th Ave. and US 36 on North I-25 and, US 36 from Denver to Boulder and on the I-70 Mountain Express Lane. For more information, visit www.codot.gov/programs/expresslanes. To get an ExpressToll account and pass, visit www.expresstoll.com.

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.

Visit www.codot.gov/projects/I25NorthExpressLanes for more information on North I-25 Express Lanes.