When Will Northern Colorado Express Lanes Start Charging?

It sure is nice to have three lanes going in each direction on Interstate 25 in Northern Colorado. This extra lane has helped alleviate traffic congestion during the morning and afternoon commutes, as well as during the busy travel weekends.

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I am sure you have seen the road signs on Interstate 25 while traveling that tolls are currently waived, but soon enough, if you want to travel in the far left lane, you will have to pay for it.

Toll-Free Period on I-25 Won’t Last Forever

The Northern Colorado Express Lanes are a 14-mile stretch of road from Berthoud to Fort Collins, making your commute easier. However, ease and convenience do come with a price. When the express lanes start charging per vehicle, the prices will not be a set price. An adjustable toll pricing system will be used, and prices will vary by time of day.

The overhead signs will show the current toll pricing, and prices will differ depending on whether you pay by license plate toll or an ExpressToll account with a transponder. The great news is that if you have an ExpressToll HOV transponder, you will be able to use the express lanes free of charge, with three or more people in the vehicle.

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We've seen the bright orange stickers on these overhead toll signs saying tolls are waived. This is simply for testing purposes to ensure the equipment is working properly. Soon, vehicles will be charged to use the Northern Colorado Express Lanes, but when will that be?

Northern Colorado Express Lane Testing Phase Nearly Complete

According to one Reddit user, tolls will go into effect within the next two months. Redditor, Imaginary_Plant_5722, says Northern Colorado Express Lane tolls will start on April 7, 2026, from mile markers 250 to 269, both northbound and southbound lanes. The Colorado Department of Transportation's Express Lane site for Northern Colorado does not have a confirmed date yet for when tolls start, but we can assume there will be a press release informing drivers soon enough.