Toll rates set for U.S. 36 express lanes

Toll rates that will be charged to drivers using the new U.S. Highway 36 express lanes beginning early next year were announced Wednesday by the High Performance Transportation Enterprise, the government-owned independent business within the Colorado Department of Transportation that looks for ways to finance CDOT projects.

The HPTE board also set toll rates for the Interstate 70 mountain express lane west of Denver, which will open by the end of this year.

“These two Express Lane projects provide travelers with more mobility choices in these busy corridors,” said Tim Gagen, HPTE board chair, in a media release. “The approved toll rates are priced to ensure reliable travel times and manage congestion in the express lanes. We want to remind drivers to get a pass to save money every time when they choose to use the lanes.”

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The toll rates approved by the board vary at different times of day to manage congestion and ensure a reliable travel time in the express lanes, HPTE said.

From Table Mesa in Boulder to downtown Denver, the toll for the morning high peak (7:15 to 8:15 a.m.) will be $8.75 with an ExpressToll pass. Without a pass, a surcharge is applied, and the cost increases to $16.33. At afternoon hours (3:30 to 4:30 p.m.), the ExpressToll rate decreases to $3.45 with an ExpressToll pass and to $8.70 without a pass. The toll rates for the same trip with an ExpressToll pass drop to $1.75 on Saturdays and Sundays and to $7 without a pass.

The tolls apply to solo drivers in the new express lanes, which also will accommodate carpoolers who can use the lanes for free with a switchable HOV transponder. The Regional Transportation District’s Flatiron Flyer Bus Rapid Transit service also will use those lanes.

The HPTE board approved separate special-event toll rates for sporting events, concerts or performances that generate significant traffic volume for U.S. 36 and Interstate 25 to maintain reliable travel times when traffic volume increases in the lanes and slows travel speeds. For example, when implemented, special-event toll rates for drivers with an ExpressToll pass could be up to 60 cents on University of Colorado home football game days at the westbound McCaslin Boulevard and westbound overlook toll points, and up to 50 cents for Saturday events at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield at the westbound Sheridan Boulevard and westbound Church Ranch Boulevard toll points.

The existing general-purpose lanes on U.S. 36 will not be tolled.

The express lanes are being managed and operated by CDOT’s partner, Plenary Roads Denver.

“The toll rates and the special-event toll rates are set to ensure reliable travel times for buses and carpoolers and to keep the express lanes moving,” said Terry Ostrom, senior vice president of Plenary Roads Denver, in the media release.

Drivers will be alerted when special-event tolling is in effect via electronic message signs on the road and at toll points. The special-event rates will not affect HOV drivers using a switchable HOV transponder.

The board approved a toll rate range for the I-70 Mountain Express Lane that runs eastbound for 13 miles from Empire through the Veterans Memorial Tunnels in Idaho Springs. The lane will operate 72 days a year, and only during periods of peak travel such as weekends and holidays. The base toll rate for ExpressToll account and pass holders is $3 and, with typical traffic volumes, could range from $8 to $10. At high traffic volumes, the afternoon rate will range from $10 and $15, or higher depending upon trip reliability and traffic volume.

Drivers without a pass, using license-plate recognition tolling, will pay the toll plus an additional fee to cover the increased costs of processing the transaction without a pass.

As with U.S. 36, the two existing general-purpose lanes on I-70 will remain free and open to all travelers at all times.

CDOT continues to encourage motorists using express lanes on U.S. 36, I-25 and I-70 to get an ExpressToll account and pass to save money on tolls every time. The electronic ExpressToll pass means motorists with a pass will be charged automatically for the toll and avoid additional fees with license-plate tolling. ExpressToll accounts and passes can be obtained at www.ExpressToll.com or by calling 303-537-3470.

Toll rates for all corridors will be available online at www.coloradoHPTE.com and expresslanes.codot.gov.