VAIL — A new express lane stretching from Empire to Floyd Hill will be up and running this winter, in hopes of reducing Interstate 70 congestion during peak travel times. The lane will extend for 10 miles on the interior shoulder of eastbound I-70, operating on weekends with a fluctuating toll rate depending on traffic delays.
CDOT expects to open the lane as a toll road 72 days out of the year, targeted at busy ski season and summer holiday weekends. Otherwise, the lane will function as a shoulder for safety and snowplowing purposes.
While a reduction in driving time is guaranteed with the express lane, the addition should also help reduce congestion in the existing two free lanes. Amy Ford, CDOT Communications Director, said the lane should reduce drive times by at least 30 minutes for those who opt to pay, with a minimum speed of 45 miles-per-hour.
The price of the toll will adjust according to demand, with an expected range of $3 to $30.
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