I-25 Central Express Lanes: Downtown Denver to US 36

This project is now complete. See information about the current project to extend North I-25 Express Lanes from 120th to the Northwest Parkway/E-470.

Please Note: Whether you plan on driving solo or as an HOV on the US 36 or I-25 Express Lanes, it's important to get a pass so that you can use these lanes. Create an ExpressToll account here, and order your pass today!

Express Lanes: Two reversible lanes between US 36 and 20th Street in downtown Denver

  • Status: Open
  • Hours of Operation: Southbound travel is open 5 a.m. - 11 a.m.. Northbound travel is open noon - 3 a.m.
  • Use of Lane:
    • HOV: Free with a switchable transponder and three or more people in the car
    • Buses, single-occupant vehicles: Pay toll with an ExpressToll account and pass
    • Trucks (4- through 19-axle vehicles): Pay surcharge ($25)
    • Motorcyclists: Free
  • Notes:
    1. Vehicles without an ExpressToll account and pass, and those that do not meet the HOV requirements, can choose to pay through a License Plate Toll, but at a higher rate than ExpressToll account holders.
    2. Motorcyclists do not need a sticker pass or ExpressToll account to travel the HOV Express Lanes for free. As of spring 2017, carpoolers who only use the HOV Express Lanes to carpool receive a Switchable HOV Transponder for free.

Toll Rate Information

Plenary Roads Denver Assumes Operations and Maintenance Role for Toll Lanes
Plenary Roads Denver recently assumed operations and maintenance responsibilities for the I-25 Express Lanes. While that responsibility now falls on Plenary Roads Denver, ownership of the highway is always maintained by the public, through CDOT. The existing general lanes will also remain free for all commuters.

As part of the tolling agreement, tolling services will continue to be managed by ExpressToll, including billing and customer service. Express Lanes users are reminded that they will receive the lowest toll rates on all Colorado tolling facilities with an ExpressToll account. You can sign up for an ExpressToll account at expresstoll.com.

Express Lanes and transponders on I-25 will continue to function as usual through the transition period.

Express Lanes Overview

What is the Express Lanes concept?

Express Lanes maximize the efficiency of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and help manage congestion on the highway. Rather than continuing to build lanes on congested highways, Express Lanes facilitate choice by allowing drivers to ride the bus, carpool or pay a toll. Buses, HOV vehicles and motorcycles are allowed in the lanes with an ExpressToll pass for free, while Single Occupancy Vehicles can choose to pay a toll.

Currently, those with two people in their vehicle can use the toll lane for free with a switchable transponder. However, starting Jan. 1 2017, all Express Lanes will require at least two passengers, for a total of three people, in a vehicle to use the lanes for free. Anyone with two or fewer people in their vehicle can either use the express lane and pay a toll, or use the general purpose lanes for free.

The I-25 Express Lanes includes seven miles on I-25, between downtown Denver and US 36.

CDOT opened Express Lanes on US 36, on I-70 east from Empire to Idaho Springs, and on I-25 from US 36 to 120th Avenue.

The I-25 Express Lanes opened on June 2, 2006.

Currently, CDOT is building Express Lanes on C-470, on North I-25 from 120th to Northwest Parkway/E-470 and from Johnstown to Fort Collins.

In addition, CDOT is including Express Lanes in the planning stages of other highway projects across Colorado—including I-70 East—as a way to effectively manage traffic congestion.