The cost to drive the 16-mile stretch of “HOT” express lanes on I-85 southbound in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties shot to a record $12 during Tuesday’s morning commute.
The new record, set just after 8 a.m., eclipsed the old record set on April 21 by a buck, according to Mark Arum in the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.
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.
