Drivers jumping onto the toll lane on the Interstate 70 mountain corridor could pay as much as $40, while those traveling to a University of Colorado football game will pay more if they use the U.S. 36 toll lane.
Those toll rates and others were set Wednesday by the state’s High Performance Transportation Enterprise, which oversees tolling on Colorado’s busiest roadways.
The tolls were put in place to help manage congestion on the 13-mile stretch on eastbound I-70 between Empire through the Veterans Memorial Tunnels in Idaho Springs. The rates will adjust based on congestion and are aimed at keeping traffic flowing smoothly.
“The approved toll rates are priced to ensure reliable travel times and manage congestion in the Express Lanes,” HPTE board chair Tim Gagen said.
Drivers who use a state-approved electronic ExpressToll pass get a break on prices, officials said.
For instance, the price range a driver using a toll pass on I-70 will vary from $3 to $30. A driver without a toll pass could see a bill as high as $40, because of processing fees. The lane, which will not give credit for high-occupancy vehicles, will open by the end of the year.
“The message here is that you should get an ExpressToll,” said Megan Castle, spokeswoman for the enterprise.
ExpressToll accounts cost $35 to open. The pass sticker is free but $15 would be deducted for a switchable HOV transponder ( for carpooling and toll options ), leaving $20 in pre-paid tolls.
The board also approved the toll rates for the second phase of the U.S. 36 Express Lanes project — from Louisville/Superior to Table Mesa — which opens in early 2016.
A separate set of toll rates were set for special events that generate significant traffic along U.S 36. When implemented, drivers with an ExpressToll pass could be charged up to 60 cents more on CU home football games at the westbound McCaslin toll point. Drivers could see a toll charge of up to 50 cents for Saturday events at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield at the westbound Sheridan toll point and the westbound Church Ranch toll point. Drivers without a toll pass would be charged $1.50.
The special event rates will not affect high-occupancy vehicle drivers using a switchable transponder.
During the morning peak period — 7:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. — from Table Mesa to downtown Denver, motorists with a pass will be charged $8.75. Without a pass, a surcharge is applied, and the cost increases to $16.33.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907, mwhaley@denverpost.com or @montewhaley
