Dynamic Tolling to start Nov. 25 on the I-25 South Gap and Westbound I-70 Mountain Express Lane corridors
News Release
Denver – Starting Monday, Nov. 25, motorists on the I-25 South Gap and I-70 Mountain Express Lane corridors will see real-time pricing in effect on the 18-mile stretch of the I-25 Express Lanes between Monument and Castle Rock and the westbound, 12-mile stretch of I-70 Express Lanes between the Veterans Memorial Tunnels and Empire.
The new pricing is called “dynamic tolling” and automatically adjusts tolls throughout the day according to real-time traffic conditions instead of simply by time of day. The new system is meant to better manage demand during peak hours to maintain free flow traffic in the South Gap and Mountain Express Lanes. Dynamic tolling was introduced earlier this year on the Central 70 Express Lanes and will eventually take effect on all Express Lanes in the Colorado system.
Tolls on both the South Gap and Mountain Express Lane corridors will be similar to the time-of-day pricing drivers are accustomed to seeing on each corridor, ranging from $1.50 to $4.75 for South Gap and up to $9 on the Mountain Express Lane. The only difference is the toll rates may change throughout the day to respond to changing traffic conditions, meaning tolls may be somewhat higher or lower than drivers have been accustomed to.
Rates may be updated as often as every five to 15 minutes, and overhead signs will display current toll prices. The price displayed when vehicles enter the Express Lanes is the price drivers will pay if they have an ExpressToll pass, even if the toll changes while the driver is traveling in the Express Lanes. License plate fees will continue to apply for drivers who do not have an ExpressToll pass.
“Our studies have shown dynamic tolling is helping maintain minimum speeds on the Central I-70 Express Lanes between I-25 and Chambers Road in Denver,” said Piper Darlington, director of the Colorado Transportation Investment Office, the division of CDOT that owns and operates Colorado Express Lanes. “With the amount of traffic that the South Gap sees, we want to ensure that minimum speeds are maintained and drivers have reliable travel times.”
Dynamic tolling is designed to better maintain a free-flowing level of traffic and ease traffic congestion across all lanes in a dedicated corridor, including the untolled, or general purpose, lanes. The I-25 South Gap Express Lanes remain free to motorcyclists, commercial transit vehicles and vehicles with three or more passengers and a switchable HOV transponder.
Please note that all motorists using the I-70 Mountain Express Lanes, including motorcyclists and drivers with three or more passengers, are tolled. Drivers are not required to use the Express Lanes and can always choose to use the adjacent general purpose lanes for no additional cost. Drivers are reminded to not weave over solid lines and to only enter or exit Express Lanes at access points marked with dashed lines.
ExpressToll pass saves money
Get a pass! ExpressToll saves drivers money every trip with an average of 40% savings compared to the pricing without a pass. Go to www.expresstoll.com to get the pass that is right for you. The same ExpressToll passes (stickers or switchable HOV3+ transponders) are used on all Express Lanes, along with E-470 and the Northwest Parkway.
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
- Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
- Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
- Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
- See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
- Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone
The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.
- Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
- Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
- Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
- Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
- Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
- Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
- Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
- Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
- Be patient!
Download the COtrip App!
The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!
