Dynamic tolling begins: Central 70 express lane rates to fluctuate based on traffic

DENVER (KDVR) — Starting April 8, drivers will see toll prices continually change, known as dynamic tolling, on express lanes along the Central 70 corridor.

Originally, express lane tolls along the corridor were priced on the time of day based on historical traffic data.

Now, 10 miles of express lanes from I-25 to Chambers Road are switching to dynamic tolling, which are real-time prices based on traffic conditions.

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The tolls on Central 70 will still be similar to the time-of-day pricing, which ranges from $1.50 to $5.50, but the change comes based on traffic. This means drivers might see higher or lower prices than what they’re used to based on traffic conditions at the time.

“Dynamic tolling is one of the best tools available for keeping traffic moving,” said Piper Darlington, director of the Colorado Transportation Investment Office. “The Central 70 Express Lanes see large numbers of vehicles each day, and by adjusting the tolls a little bit upward or a little bit downward based on real-time traffic conditions, we aim to help keep the entire Central 70 corridor as congestion-free as possible.”

These rates can change as quickly as every five to 15 minutes, which will be displayed on overhead signs.

While these prices could change quickly, the price displayed when vehicles enter the express lanes is the price drivers will pay, even if the toll changes while the driver is in the lane.

That being said, this price is only for those with an ExpressToll pass. License plate fees still apply for drivers without a pass.

Central 70 is the first corridor to implement dynamic tolling. Eventually, the plan is to use dynamic tolling on all Colorado express lanes.

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