Eastbound I-70 Mountain Express Lane
The eastbound I-70 Mountain Express Lane runs adjacent to the free general purpose lanes for 12 miles from Empire through the Veterans Memorial Tunnels, passing Idaho Springs.
The lane is open only during peak travel times, mostly on weekends and holidays. When not open to traffic, the lane is used as an emergency shoulder for vehicle breakdowns and emergency services. Tolling began in 2015, and drivers are billed for using the Express Lane either through their license plate or ExpressToll pass/transponder.
How to Use the Express Lanes
Drivers can only pay a toll. Trucks and trailers are not permitted.
I travel in a:
On the I-70 Mountain Express Lane, motorcycles have to pay the toll. Motorcycles must have an ExpressToll account in order to receive the discounted toll rate (Note: motorcycles do not need a physical ExpressToll pass as long as the motorcycle license plate has been added to an ExpressToll account). Motorcycles without an ExpressToll account will be charged the higher License Plate Toll (LPT) toll rate.
Toll only for all vehicles.
Corridor Basics
- Lane is only open during peak travel periods – it is used as an emergency shoulder all other times.
- 12 miles of Express Lanes eastbound from Empire through the Veterans Memorial Tunnels.
- All motorcycles and vehicles are tolled.
- No HOV 3+ available.
- Adjustable toll pricing system used – prices depend on the day of the week.
- Overhead signage indicates current toll prices and if the lane is open or closed. Tolls are collected through the vehicle’s ExpressToll account or License Plate Toll.
- Safety Enforcement Program in effect. Sophisticated roadside technology is used to enforce the following rules:
- No oversized vehicles (trucks or trailers) are allowed.
- No weaving across solid yellow lines.
- Only use the Express Lanes when they are open
