DENVER – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) shared details about the express lanes that will be built on I-25 between Monument and Castle Rock.
CDOT released a report from Colorado’s High-Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) that said the projected tolls on I-25 will be the lowest in the state.
The study outlined survey results from drivers who frequently drive the stretch of interstate. The study suggested that CDOT should charge $0.15 per mile to drive in the lanes, adding up to $2.25 per trip one way.
Those who carpool with three or more people in a vehicle and those who ride motorcycles can drive in the lanes for free. Drivers will still be able to drive for free in the two existing lanes.
“We conducted a thorough and objective study to determine what is the value of time for motorists who travel the I-25 South Gap corridor,” said HPTE Director David Spector. “We found the majority of those surveyed support a travel option that reduces congestion and provides a reliable, shorter travel time in exchange for paying a toll.”
That differs from numerous town halls News 5 covered in Colorado Springs and Monument areas prior to the announcement that the new lanes would be designated as express lanes.
Numerous drivers in those meetings expressed opposition to building express lanes. Many drivers asked for the new lane to be free to drive in, and said an express lane would not reduce congestion as effectively as having a third free lane.
During that process, CDOT emphasized that sustainable funding was needed in order to secure federal grant money for the project, which lead to the decision to install toll lanes.
The HPTE study is expected to be a major factor when CDOT officials make the final decision on the price of the tolls. That is expected to happen just before the lanes open in 2022.
Construction on the stretch of interstate known as “the gap” is expected to begin in September.
CLICK HERE to view the full study.
