High County I-70 Express Lane Taking Shape
CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Workers are installing overhead signs and toll information along the newest stretch of toll road in the state, that when completed will hopefully make the drive back from the high country a little faster.
The Colorado Department of Transportation's Interstate 70 Express Lane between the twin Veterans Memorial Tunnels near Idaho Springs and the Empire exit will allow eastbound traffic to use a newly built "shoulder lane" during peak travel periods such as weekends to guarantee at least 40 miles per hour travel time. But it will cost drivers.
"The tolls will be based on demand and we will start them at $3, but they could go as high as $30," CDOT Communications Manager Megan Castle said.
The project is scheduled to be completed in December, just in time for ski season. If the project is considered a success the concept could be used on other roads in the state.
Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.