Heads up, NOCO: A few changes are coming to I-25 next week

We all spend time on I-25, whether you are heading south for work, jumping over to Windsor for a night with friends or just commuting between the parts of NOCO, I-25 is an inevitable part of our lives and if you are like me and have enjoyed the free access to the express lanes since they opened in December 2023 you are gonna want to read this. Some changes are coming to I-25 between Fort Collins and Mead, so to keep us all safe, we are breaking down the details for you below!

We want to keep you in the know, but also don't want to tell you anything incorrect, so we partnered with CDOT to ensure none of us are caught off guard, so we will let them take it away and make sure you know what is coming. . .

If you drive I-25 between Mead and Fort Collins, a couple of changes are coming your way this spring.

Nothing complicated — but worth knowing ahead of time so there are no surprises on your commute.

Here are the highlights:

● Speed cameras will begin issuing fines in the work zone on April 2 (Mead → Berthoud)

● Express Lanes will begin tolling April 7 (Berthoud → Fort Collins)

● Only enter/exit Express Lanes through dashed lines — crossing a solid line will result in a fine (not a new rule, but the fines are new to I-25 North and enforcement will begin May 7)

Speed camera enforcement starts April 2

Speed cameras are now active in the I-25 work zone between Mead and Berthoud. Until now, drivers

have been receiving warnings for exceeding the posted speed limit — but starting April 2, you will

receive a $75 fine by mail if you speed in this area.

This is part of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Speed Enforcement Program, which is focused on reducing excessive speeds, crashes, and fatalities in high-risk areas like work zones. Speed cameras on CO 119 (the Diagonal Highway) between Longmont and Boulder have already made a noticeable difference on that highway, significantly reducing speeding, which is a frequent cause of serious and fatal crashes in Colorado. You can learn more about the program at codot.gov/programs/speedenforcement.

Express Lane tolling starts April 7

If you’ve been using the Express Lanes between Berthoud and Fort Collins, you’ve likely noticed they’ve been free for a while now during the testing phase. Starting April 7, the testing phase is over and those lanes will begin tolling. Drivers who have an ExpressToll pass can expect to pay between $3

to a max of $12.20 to travel the full corridor, depending on where they enter and exit the lanes, direction and time of day. The Express Lanes are free to motorcycles, transit vehicles and vehicles with three or more people that have a switchable HOV transponder.

Express Lane Safety and Toll Enforcement starts May 7

If you do choose to use the Express Lane, remember: Don’t cross the solid line. Wait until the line is dashed to enter or exit the Express Lane. Starting May 7 on the I-25 Express Lanes from Berthoud to Fort Collins, cameras and sensors along the corridor will automatically issue a $75 to vehicles that

cross into or out of the Express Lane over the solid line. Crossing the solid line is dangerous because traffic in the Express Lane generally moves faster than

traffic in the general purpose lanes, and drivers in either lane aren’t expecting others to cut over a solid line. Following this rule helps prevent crashes and improves safety on Colorado roadways.

Find more information about Express Lanes and how to use them at ColoradoExpressLanes.com

That’s it — just a quick heads-up so you can plan and avoid a fine. Drive safe out there, NOCO!