Eastbound I-70 Mountain Express Lane

I-70 Mountain Express Lanes

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:

Tolled Motorcycle.png

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.

Tolled Vehicle.png

Toll only for all vehicles.


Corridor Basics

  • 12 miles eastbound from Empire through Veterans Memorial Tunnels.
  • Open during peak periods of travel only.
  • Toll-use only, no free motorcycle or carpool.
  • No trucks or trailers are allowed.
  • Overhead signage indicates current toll prices. Tolls are collected through ExpressToll account or License Plate Toll.