Tolling begins on northern Colorado I-25 express lanes between Fort Collins, Berthoud

The days of free trips in the Interstate 25 express lanes in northern Colorado have come to an end. Tolling on the I-25 Express Lanes between Berthoud and Fort Collins began Tuesday.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said drivers who have an ExpressToll pass can expect to pay between $1 to $4.75 per Express Lane segment, depending on the segment, direction and time of day.

Overhead signs will display the current toll price. The price shown when entering the Express Lanes is the price ExpressToll account holders will pay, CDOT said.

Drivers who don’t have an ExpressToll pass can still use the Express Lanes but will pay a higher toll rate.

Also Tuesday, drivers will receive a warning for entering or exiting the Express Lanes outside designated areas, a violation of Express Lanes rules. Enforcement will begin with a 30-day grace period, during which warnings will be mailed to the vehicle's registered address. Starting May 7, violators will receive fines.

CDOT said the same ExpressToll passes — including sticker passes and switchable HOV3+ transponders — used on Express Lanes along US 36, I-25, C-470 and I-70, E-470 and the Northwest Parkway, will also work on the I-25 North Express Lanes.

“Express Lanes aren’t just about saving time for the drivers who choose to use them,” said Tim Hoover, deputy director of communications for the Colorado Department of Transportation. “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.”