The Colorado Department of Transportation announced on March 31 that tolling will begin April 7 on the new I-25 Express Lanes between Berthoud and Fort Collins. Drivers using these lanes will also face enforcement for entering or exiting outside designated areas, with a warning period in effect for the first month and fines starting May 7.
The introduction of tolls aims to manage congestion along this busy corridor, impacting both regular commuters and occasional travelers. According to Tim Hoover, deputy director of communications for the Colorado Department of Transportation, “Express Lanes aren’t just about saving time for the drivers who choose to use them. They’re designed to help manage congestion across the entire corridor. When traffic moves safely in and out of the Express Lanes, it reduces pressure on the regular, untolled lanes, which benefits all drivers — whether they pay a toll or not.”
Drivers with an ExpressToll pass can expect rates ranging from $1 to $4.75 per segment depending on direction and time of day; traveling all three segments during off-peak hours would cost at least $3, while peak evening travel could reach $12.20 northbound. Those without an ExpressToll pass will pay higher rates through license plate billing and receive bills by mail; pass holders save an average of 40 percent compared to those billed by license plate.
Enforcement starts with a grace period: warnings will be mailed for violations such as weaving over solid lines until May 7, after which violators face civil penalties including a $75 fine. The lanes are free for motorcyclists, commercial transit vehicles, and cars carrying three or more passengers using a switchable HOV3+ transponder.
According to the official website, the Colorado Department of Transportation works to improve quality of life through integrated transportation solutions while delivering effective multi-modal systems that safely transport people and goods across Colorado according to their official website. Shoshana Lew serves as executive director according to their official website. The department oversees transportation infrastructure statewide—including interstates and highways—and administers grants for aviation and transit as outlined by CDOT.
As enforcement ramps up alongside automated speed camera deployment in construction zones nearby beginning April 2, officials encourage drivers unfamiliar with rules or payment options to review resources available online.
