Two years after it was initially slated to open, the northbound MoPac express toll lane will be fully open. Opening the southbound side won’t occur for another few weeks.
Starting at 8 a.m. Oct. 7, drivers will be able to use the entire northbound toll lane from Cesar Chavez Street to Parmer Lane. Last October, part of the northbound lane opened between RM 2222 and Parmer.
“The wait is over and commuters can breathe a sigh of relief,” said Jeff Dailey, deputy executive director of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, which is overseeing the project. “Last year’s partial opening of the northbound north-end segment was a success, and we’re confident this additional segment will be instrumental in reducing commutes for tolled and non-tolled travel. We’re giving commuters back their time.”
Access points to the northbound toll lane include coming northbound over Lady Bird Lake, from Cesar Chavez in downtown Austin and just south of RM 2222. Drivers may also exit north of RM 2222 and exit to Parmer. Drivers will not be able to enter the express lane from Sixth Street or exit to RM 2222.
Work is continuing on the southbound toll lane, including installing sound walls and landscaping.
5 FACTS ABOUT THE MOPAC TOLL LANES
1. The goal is to keep traffic flowing at a speed of at least 45 mph. The price of the toll will increase as traffic increases to maintain that speed. This is called variable-priced tolling. Traffic cameras and sensors installed throughout the express lane monitor the speed and volume of traffic and an algorithm uses that information to help set the rate.
2. There is no maximum toll price. The minimum toll rate is $0.25 per section, or $0.50 for the full length. Signs posted before the entrances to the toll lane will display the price of a trip for the entire length as well as for the trip to RM 2222. If the price of the toll increases while drivers are in the express lanes, they only pay the price that was displayed when they entered the lane.
3. The express lane is separated from the mainlanes by double white lines and white plastic delineator sticks. Drivers are not able to cross into the express lane over the delineator sticks or they risk damage to their vehicles. Emergency vehicles, however, will be able to safely enter the lanes in case of emergencies.
4. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate merging when entering or exiting the express lane. This is because traffic will already be in the express lane and traveling at faster speeds. Near RM 2222, an additional merge lane will assist drivers in making the transition in or out of the express lane from the mainlanes.
5. The initial cost was $204 million. On Sept. 26, the Mobility Authority settled a dispute with contractor CH2M and agreed to pay the contractor $21.5 million for issues that arose during construction and led to a two-year delay of the opening. Accounting for changes to the project’s original scope, legal work, asbestos abatement and other engineering work, the project’s total cost comes out to $252.9 million. CH2M will have to pay the Mobility Authority $20 million in liquidated damages for the delayed opening. The Mobility Authority’s final cost is estimated to come out to $232.9 million.