Tolling Begins On Final Stretch Of U.S. 36 Express Lanes
By Joel Hillan
DENVER (CBS4) - Wednesday marks the start of charging drivers for traveling in the new Express Lanes on U.S. 36 from Louisville to Boulder. The free trial period to test equipment has now come to an end.
The Colorado Department of Transportation says the Express Lanes have delivered faster speeds for all US 36 drivers, not just those able to afford the toll. CDOT compared weekday westbound speeds from September 2011 and 2015:
- 2011 at 7:40 a.m.: speeds were 35 mph
- 2015 at 7:40 a.m.: speeds were 45 mph, 29% faster than 2011
- 2011 at 6 p.m.: speeds were 50 mph
- 2015 at 6 p.m.: speeds were above 60 mph, 20% faster than 2011
The price to travel in the Express Lanes varies depending on the time of day and amount of traffic. You can save money by purchasing a transponder and setting up an account.
The transponder works for all Express Lanes in Denver.
Joel Hillan is CBS4's Traffic Specialist and is featured on the CBS4 Morning News. Follow Joel on Twitter @joelhillan.
