FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2015
Contact: Cheryl Sparks
410-537-1017
I-95 EXPRESS TOLL LANE USE ACCELERATES
New Lower Toll Rates Start July 1
BALTIMORE, MD - The I-95 Express Toll Lanes (ETL) in northeast Baltimore have experienced accelerated growth in traffic with approximately 3.2 million vehicles traveling on the eight-mile section of roadway since opening in December 2014, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), which finances, operates and maintains the State's eight toll facilities. In May, the average weekday traffic on the I-95 ETL was 24,153 vehicles daily compared to 14,904 vehicles daily in January, a 62% increase.
"More and more motorists are realizing the benefits of using the I-95 ETL," said MDTA Chairman and Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn. "Time is valuable and these express toll lanes deliver a reliable commute motorists can count on."
While it was expected that motorists would take the I-95 ETL during peak hours, many motorists also use the lanes during weekends and weekday off-peak hours. The average weekend traffic in May was 24,355 vehicles daily compared to 14,648 in January.
"The I-95 ETL are carrying more daily traffic on the weekends compared to weekdays," said MDTA Executive Director Bruce W. Gartner. "With backups eased in the general-purpose lanes during peak periods as well, the I-95 ETL are improving the commute for all Marylanders and providing easier access to businesses along the I-95 corridor."
On July 1, 2015, drivers using the I-95 ETL will begin paying lower tolls as part of Governor Larry Hogan's toll rollback plan. Two-axle toll rates on the I-95 ETL for all pricing periods will be reduced by $.03 per mile. This change reduces a two-axle, peak period trip on the entire I-95 ETL from $1.75 to $1.54 (E-ZPass). Other I-95 ETL toll rates also will be reduced based on standard multipliers per axle.
The I-95 ETL are eight miles (seven tolled) of "through" lanes between White Marsh and Baltimore. The I-95 ETL opened on December 6 and drivers were able to 'test drive' the lanes at no charge through December 12. They were built to improve congestion and traffic safety along this busy stretch of I-95 today and for decades to come. Motorists are able to access the I-95 ETL from I-95, I-895, MD 43 at I-95 and Moravia Road at I-895.
The new lanes are part of a comprehensive I-95 Improvement Project focused on enhancing highway safety along this vital economic corridor. Along with providing two new ETL in each direction, the $1.08 billion project also included reconfiguring three major I-95 interchanges (I-895, I-695 and MD 43). Drivers still may see related construction activities throughout the project limits. For a map and simulation video of the I-95 Improvement Project with ETL, including where motorists can enter and exit the ETL, visit mdta.maryland.gov.
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