The Texas Department of Transportation announced March 13 that it will reduce tolls starting April 1 through the end of March 2014 for semitrailers on SH 130 and SH 45 SE in an effort to reduce traffic on I-35 in Austin.

For semitrailers with four or more axles, rates are reduced by more than 67 percent, according to the news release. The pilot program still needs to be approved by the Texas Transportation Commission, the governing board for TxDOT, at its March 28 meeting.

"This is a win for taxpayers and drivers in Central Texas," TTC board Chairman Ted Houghton said in the news release. "First, truckers get the opportunity to use a high-speed alternative around Austin, and second, the discount does not cost taxpayers a dime."

For semitrailers that travel nonstop on SH 130 from Georgetown to Seguin, the cost will be about $18 or less. A full list of rates is available on the TxDOT website.

On Jan. 31, the TTC voted to reduce toll rates for semitrailers on SH 130 from Georgetown to Mustang Ridge and on SH 45 SE between Feb. 4–March 3. TxDOT first offered reduced rates in late 2011 through January 2012, according to the news release. During that time, the number of semitrailer tolls increased by more than 49 percent for SH 130 and SH 45 SE.