Dynamic tolling officially began Monday Nov. 25, on the westbound stretch of the I-70 Mountain Express Lanes, covering a 12-mile corridor between the Veterans Memorial Tunnels and Empire. This new tolling approach replaced the previous time-of-day tolling with real-time pricing, aiming to help manage traffic flow and reduce congestion during peak travel hours.
Dynamic tolling adjusts rates according to real-time traffic conditions rather than a fixed schedule, allowing for better demand management and smoother traffic flow in the Mountain Express Lanes. Earlier this year, dynamic tolling was implemented on the Central 70 Express Lanes, and there are plans to extend this feature across Colorado’s entire Express Lanes system.
With the launch, drivers on the westbound I-70 Mountain Express Lane will encounter tolls up to $9, similar to the time-of-day rates that have been in place since tolling began. However, under the new system, tolls can fluctuate every five to 15 minutes in response to live traffic updates, meaning prices may vary more dynamically than in the past.
The current rate will be displayed on overhead signs for what you will pay upon entering the lane, provided you have an ExpressToll pass, even if the toll changed mid-journey. For those without an ExpressToll pass, license plate fees continue to apply.
The implementation of dynamic tolling aims to maintain a free-flowing level of traffic and ease congestion across the dedicated toll and general-purpose lanes alike. To avoid weaving and ensure safety, drivers were reminded to enter or exit the Express Lanes only at designated access points marked with dashed lines.
The introduction of dynamic tolling marks another step toward enhancing Colorado’s transportation infrastructure, supporting a more flexible and efficient travel experience for drivers across the state. Dynamic tolling on the eastbound Mountain Express Lane is expected to begin next year.
The ExpressToll passes provide a savings opportunity, allowing drivers to save up to 40 percent on tolls compared to pay-by-plate rates. Those interested in obtaining a pass could visit ExpressToll.com to sign up for either a sticker pass or a Switchable HOV Transponder, both of which can be used across all Colorado Express Lanes as well as on E-470 and the Northwest Parkway.