I-295 Express Lanes: Get Ready To Open Your Pocketbooks

Initial Express Lanes concept

The price of the toll will vary, based on the level of congestion to provide reliable travel times. Therefore, the tolls will be higher during peak times when demand is greater. If the cost for a stress-free commute is too much for you, you're welcome to sit in gridlock for free.

Nevertheless, this won't be your granddaddy's toll road, so forget about visions of toll booths and having to stash loose change in your glove compartment. Tolls will be collected using a fully automated system, known throughout the state as SunPass. Traffic will be able to move at full speed through a tolled area and automatically deduct the tolls using a transponder that has been attached to the front windshield of someone's car. Funds must be added to the transponder account using cash, check, money order or credit card.


The Express Lane system will be expanded as roadway congestion and gridlock increases in the future.

Furthermore, the FDOT is willing to take money from any entity desiring to take advantage of predictable travel times on their new "expressway-within-an-expressway." This means that the Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA) can also use them for "bus rapid transit"... for a fixed yearly fee, of course.

In spite of the new found revenue source, the project will not be a profitable one. Building and maintaining roads is just as profitable as lighting money on fire. The cash generated from the express lanes will be used to operate and maintain the roadway where the toll is collected.

This evening, the FDOT will be hosting a public meeting from 4:30-6:30pm at the University of North Florida University Center. There, FDOT will share their express lane plans for the SR 9B to JTB segment. This meeting will also discuss the feasibility of noise walls being added.

For more information: http://www.northfloridaexpress.com/Pages/Home.aspx

Next Page: FDOT Press Release