Will A Dynamic Toll Lane Ease Colorado’s Peak Period Traffic Problems On I-70?
If you’ve ever skied, hiked, fished or biked in Colorado’s High Country, you’re familiar with the horrendous traffic problems on Colorado’s I-70 as people head east. To combat the issue the Colorado Department of Transportation (C-DOT) will introduce a 13-mile toll lane near the Twin Tunnels on Eastbound I-70 between Empire (Exit 232) and Idaho Springs (Exit 241).
C-DOT is currently working on the project which will create a Peak Period Shoulder Lane called the Mountain Express Lane on the left hand shoulder of eastbound I-70 – allowing for a 3rd lane of travel during busy times. The lane will be used year round, but will only be open during peak traffic hours. The following video from C-DOT explains how the lane will be used:
The toll prices are yet to be determined, but could fluctuate between $5 and $30 depending on traffic and whether or not the vehicle has an ExpressToll transponder. Tolls will start being collected in Fall 2015 on the newly constructed Mountain Express Lane. Will you pay money to avoid traffic?
According to C-DOT, the benefits of the Mountain Express Lane will include:
- Dynamic toll pricing to keep traffic moving
- Reducing travel time by nearly half from the Eisenhower Tunnel to Floyd Hill – an average of 30 minutes saved
- Providing a reliable traffic lane
- Avoiding overbuilding I-70
- Enhancing recent Twin Tunnel improvements
- Allowing for faster speeds in all lanes
Let’s hope this eases traffic congestion so more people can enjoy the Colorado high country.
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Learn more about C-DOT and the Toll Lane on:
- Colorado Department of Transportation
- 9News.com – Signs Go Up Warning Of Toll Lanes Along I-70
- 9 News – Driver’s Can Avoid I-70 Traffic For A Price
- TetonGravity.com
- CoTrip.org
Get traffic updates and weekly lane closure information on I-70 here and here.
