COLORADO (KOAA) — The 18-mile stretch of I-25 between Monument and Castle Rock added what CDOT calls "Dynamic Tolling" to its Express Tolls, meaning prices in the lanes vary throughout the day.
Since its edition, CDOT Spokesperson Tim Hoover says the total number of cars going through at a given time has increased by about 20%.
"We're able to get more traffic through the corridor," said Hoover. "We've seen traffic throughput, which is to say: the total number of cars in a given period, increase by about 20%."
Hoover says pricing is determined by an algorithm which adjusts when traffic is expected to be heavier or lighter. The new technology was originally added to the corridor in November, 2024.
"Lets say it's 3 o'clock in the afternoon on a Wednesday, for example, and we'd say there's usually so many thousands of cars that pass through around this time. Therefore, we think, based on pricing models, that the price should be this," said Hoover.
Hoover added the change has lead to a 20% increase in revenue from the Express Lanes, which he said any excess income from the lanes goes back into maintaining the road.
Some drivers in the spring say it hasn't changed much for them going through that stretch, like Adan Gaytan, who drives between Pueblo and Lakewood often.
There's some spots where it just bunches up real bad," said Gaytan. "If it's just too constant of traffic, then I'd probably consider (using) it."
"If there's a backup, everybody's in a backup, we're all gonna get there," said Catherin Carr, who said it took longer than usual to get to Morrison from Colorado Springs due to traffic on I-25.
"I leave and I'll get there when I get there," said Carr.
Hoover said the ultimate goal is to add this dynamic pricing to all Express Lanes across the state, but that may still be a while, citing some Express Lanes are older and therefore use different systems.
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