Public Comments Welcome On US-36 Toll Decision

DENVER (CBS4) - Drivers could end up paying a toll of nearly $14  to use the new express lanes on Highway 36.

That applies to those who don't have an express toll pass -- with a pass, the cost is cut almost in half.

The numbers are only proposed rates right now, and transportation officials said drivers still have time to weigh in on the discussion.

"The costs that they've come up with are based upon providing a reliable travel time, managing congestion too because if you pay as a driver to use these lanes you want to be able to get a service for them," said Megan Castle of the Colorado Department of Transportation.

The proposed rates apply to phase one of Highway 36, from West 88th Avenue to Pecos Street, and will depend on the time of day you're traveling and whether or not you have the express toll pass.

During peak morning hours, those with a pass will pay $7.75. Drivers who choose to use the express lane without a pass will spend $13.83.

In the afternoon, it's $7 with a pass and just under $13 without one.

"The reason license plate tolls cost more is because it costs more to process them, it's not digital processing, they are sometimes looking at dirty or obstructed views," explained Castle.

The High-Performance Transportation Enterprise Board will meet to discuss and hear public comment about the proposal on Tuesday before locking in the costs.

The toll to use the I-25 express lanes will also go up by 20 cents, to about $5.00 with a pass. Transportation officials will discuss that proposal on Tuesday morning as well.

The meeting is from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the CDOT headquarters in Denver. Public comment is welcome.