I-25 gap express lane could cost you $1,100 per year, but it’s free for some

We’re learning more about the Interstate 25 express lane set to be built between Monument and Castle Rock, and while there may be a sense of sticker shock for some commuters, there’s good news for others.

According to a release by the Colorado Department of Transportation, the toll for the express lane would likely be around $2.25 per trip at $0.15 per mile. That’s a cost of $1,170 per year if you make the commute five days a week.

But even at that price, CDOT is touting the possible toll rate as the lowest in Colorado. The revenues would end up paying for the tolling equipment and operations in addition to maintenance on the express lanes, including snow plowing, debris removal, and pavement repairs. The estimated cost of the construction project was tabbed at $350 million but doesn’t include those maintenance costs.

Here’s the good news: the express lane is free for motorcyclists and commuters who carpool (three or more people per vehicle).

CDOT says the decision to make the express lane a toll lane was made after polling motorists who use the corridor.

“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,” said David Spector, director of the Colorado High-Performance Transportation Enterprise.

Many of the drivers we spoke to had mixed reactions to the price tag.

“You never want to spend more money but if it’s going to get the traffic issue solved then I’m for it,” said Travis Jones from Colorado Springs.

“It would be a commitment. I don’t think it will be an issue if you put it in your issue if you put it in your budget and plan it out it should be fine,” said Eddie Hernandez from Denver.

“I ain’t paying for that,” said Megan Osgood from Monument.

“I’m not going to use it, I mean I just think it’s ridiculous that they’re actually doing a toll and I feel like honestly they’re not going to use it,” said Mary Burford who lives in Palmer Lake.

The express lane will hopefully ease the congestion seen in the gap between the Springs and Denver metro areas. I-25 is only two lanes in each direction for that gap, which leads to significant backups and delays whenever there’s an accident or other lane closure.

Construction on the express lane is scheduled to begin in early September on the northern section. The project will widen the highway, widen shoulders, rebuild bridges, build new wildlife crossings, and make technology improvements.