DENVER — Tolls will begin Tuesday on the express lanes of Interstate 70 through Denver and Aurora, the Colorado Department of Transportation said.
The express lanes -- one in each direction -- span 10 miles of Interstate 70 between Interstate 25 and Chambers Road. They were added as part of the Central 70 Project.
Drivers are not required to use the express lanes, and still have the option to use the adjacent general purpose lanes for free.
The express lanes will be open 24/7. Toll prices will range from $1.50 to $4.50 for vehicles with an ExpressToll pass. Overhead signs will display current toll prices, which will depend on the time of day. License plate fees will apply for drivers who do not have an ExpressToll pass.
The same ExpressToll passes that are used for the express lanes on US 36, I-25, C-470, the I-70 Mountain Corridor, E-470 and the Northwest Parkway will work on the new Central 70 express lanes.
The express lanes will be free to motorcyclists, commercial transit vehicles and carpoolers with three or more passengers and a switchable HOV Transponder.
Drivers of vehicles with four or more axles or longer than 25 feet can use the Express Lanes but will be charged a $25 surcharge for each trip.
CDOT is offering an Express Lane tolling equity program to people in the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods, which are along the Central 70 corridor. Qualifying residents can receive a free ExpressToll pass, transit pass and toll credit through the program.
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