Travel Blog

CDOT Announces Opening of Mountain Express Lane, 12/12/2015

CME Vehicles Will be using the new lane

Colorado Department of Transportation annouced that the I-70 Mountain Express Lane will open on the morning of Saturday, December 12th. Look for overhead electronic signs to display toll rates…but this is just a test! Tomorrow the tolls will be waived until further notice so drivers can become familiar with the lane. When tolls are implemented, they will range from $3 - $30 per vehicle. CDOT says that the only thing that will stop the lane from opening tomorrow would be if snow conditions are too severe. There is a chance of this, too. Visit OpenSnow.com for the forecast!

CME is going to be using the Mountain Express Lanes when this option is available and is the best way to go. CME has been actively involved in this project, working with CDOT and the various stakeholders in support of this project. Guests will enjoy this benefit at no extra charge and will add to benefits of riding with Colorado Mountain Express, along with the free Wi-Fi and most frequent schedules from DIA.
If you aren’t on a CME van, here’s what you need to know

• There are two entrances and exits: Enter at Empire Junction or before the Veterans Memorial Twin Tunnels.
• Express Lane users who want to exit at Idaho Springs may use the signed Express Lane exit for Idaho Springs, prior to Exit 239.
• Travelers exiting I-70 eastbound to US 6 at Floyd Hill (Exit 244) can enter US 6 without a charge.
• Do not cross the solid white line; enter and exit at designated areas only.
• No free HOV, motorcycles or trailers or trucks over 25 feet.
• Travelers will be charged the toll price posted when they entered the Express Lane. If the price should increase or decrease while they are in the lane, drivers will pay the price posted upon entry.
• The toll price is the same regardless of toll entrance point, Empire or before the Veterans Memorial Tunnels.
• The use of the lane will be impacted by weather or incidents. Should an incident occur and traffic is detoured onto or off the Express Lane, no toll will be charged.
• The Express Lane is open weekends and holidays. When not in use, it is a shoulder.
• Get a Pass to save money each time. ExpressToll passes (stickers or switchable HOV transponders) that are used on US 36, E-470, I-25 and Northwest Parkway will work on the I-70 Mountain Express Lane.

  While opening this Express Lane marks a major milestone for the Peak Period Shoulder Lane Project, construction work will continue after the New Year and some of this work will require lane closures. Travel impacts will be minimized during the holidays and weekends. For current road and weather conditions you can also call 511, visit www.cotrip.org or download the CDOT I-70 mobile application to your smartphone from your App store.

These lanes will increase roadway capacity and help to manage congestion. The use of toll pricing during peak travel times reduces delays, manages congestion and maintains reliable travel times.

Search Blog