VPP Projects Involving Tolls
Category: Priced Lanes
Sub-Category: Express Toll Lanes

Project - COLORADO: Express Toll Lanes on C-470 in Denver

A feasibility study was recently completed which evaluated the design, operational and financial feasibility, and expected public acceptance of Express Lanes on the 26-mile C-470 beltway in the southwest part of the Denver metro area. The feasibility study was conducted in parallel with an Environmental Assessment (EA) investigating possible solutions to congestion and reliability problems on the roadway. C-470 is a four-lane beltway between I-70 and I-25 with 18 interchanges. Commuters are typically destined to the Denver Technological Center and adjacent offices, a regional employment hub with over 100,000 employees. The segments that do not currently experience severe congestion are all projected to experience such conditions by 2020. Future projected traffic volumes indicate that a phased implementation of added managed lanes may be viable. The concept studied was a four lane barrier-separated facility in the median of four general purpose lanes that would manage volumes in the Express Lanes by charging a variable toll to ensure reliable, free-flowing traffic conditions.

Feasibility Funds Awarded

September 2001

Study Completed

The C-470 Express Lanes Feasibility Study Final Report is available. Go to www.c470.info for updated information.

Project Status

The environmental assessment is still on hold due to local government opposition, although the local elected officials have changed and some are more receptive to an Express lanes solution, but would like to explore different options that were in the EA, e.g., access points, buffer separation vs. barrier separation, etc.

For More Information Contact

Ron Buck
Colorado Department of Transportation
Phone: (303) 972-9112
E-mail: ron.buck@dot.state.co.us

Back to Express Toll Lanes Projects