The cost to drive the 16-mile stretch of “HOT” express lane on I-85 southbound in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties soared to a record $11 during Tuesday’s morning commute.
The new record, set just before 8 a.m., eclipsed the old record by a buck, according to Mark Arum in the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
The High Occupancy Toll lane’s cost is set on a sliding scale depending on the level of congestion on I-85 and in the HOT lane.
According to the State Road and Tollway Authority's website, "when HOT lanes become too congested, the price increases and this in turn reduces the number of cars entering the lane."
The website says the authority’s goal is to keep traffic in the HOT lane moving at an average speed of greater than 45 mph during peak hours.
The maximum toll has been gradually climbing since the lanes opened along I-85 northbound and southbound in October 2011.
About the Author
