Tolling will officially start Saturday on a on eastbound Interstate 70 between Empire to Idaho Springs, just in time to catch the start of the holiday traffic rush.
The Mountain Express Lane successfully handled a practice run Sunday with few reported problems, said Amy Ford, spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Transportation.
“Equipment worked well, and all things considered we were really pleased with it,” said Ford.
As many as 34,000 vehicles used the I-70 mountain corridor on Sunday and speeds on all three lanes averaged between 50-65 mph, she said.
Even after the toll lane — which is actually a converted shoulder lane — was shut down between 5-6 p.m. Sunday, 150 vehicles continued to use it. “That is an enforcement issue, and we will have to address that,” said Ford.
on the toll lane to manage traffic.
The base toll rate for electronic pass holders is $3 and with typical traffic volumes will range between $8 and $10. The maximum toll is $30 with a pass. could pay as much as $40 to use the lane, depending on traffic.
The agency also will keep informing motorists on how to best use the toll lane through signage and public awareness campaigns, CDOT executive director Shailen Bhatt said.
“We recognize this corridor sees new drivers every weekend, from Front Range visitors to out-of-state tourists,” Bhatt said. “CDOT will continue to work to educate drivers in how to use the lane and adjust the toll prices accordingly to provide a reliable travel time.”
The opening comes just as the schools let out for the holiday break and traffic picks up along the corridor.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907, mwhaley@denverpost.com or @montewhaley
