CDOT expanding Express Lane camera usage to crack down on drivers ‘weaving’ across lanes

The Colorado Department of Transportation is expanding their camera system to catch drivers who “weave” between regular and Express Lanes. 

A system of cameras and sensors was first used along the Interstate 70 Mountain Express Lane in 2022, and was then expanded to include C-470 and Interstate 25 northbound Express Lanes. Now, Douglas County announced that the Express Lanes Safety and Toll Enforcement Program will now be in effect on the I-25 South Gap, Interstate 70, and US 36 corridors. 

The new Express Lane camera enforcement began on December 1st at the I-25 South Gap from south Castle Rock to Monument, on I-70 between I-25 and Chambers Road, and on U.S. 36 between Federal Boulevard and Table Mesa Drive. Between December 1st and January 1st, drivers who illegally cross the solid white lines on Express Lanes will be mailed a warning. After January 1st, violators will be fined $75. The fine will be increased to $150 if not paid within 20 days, reported Douglas County News-Press.

CDOT states that weaving across solid white lines “significantly increases crash risks due to the speed differential between vehicles in the Express Lanes and those in the general purpose lanes.” 

“More than 90% of drivers using Express Lanes follow the rules and don’t cross the solid lines,” said CDOT spokesperson Tim Hoover. “Unfortunately, the small percentage that do weave endanger themselves and everyone else.”

“This technology has already reduced violations by 80% in the corridors where we’ve developed it,” Hoover said. “This means accidents avoided and lives saved.”