The Orange County Transportation Authority board on July 24 unanimously approved a new policy for the express lanes in the 405 Freeway improvement project.
The project, which started in 2018, is 95 percent complete and expected to be completed by year’s end.
The express lanes will be from Route 73 in Costa Mesa to the San Gabriel River 605 Freeway at the Orange County line.
Transit authority officials expect that the maximum toll rate for southbound drivers will be $6 with a minimum rate of $2.45 and an average toll rate of $2.77. The average toll rate per mile will be 22 cents. For northbound drivers, the maximum will be $9.80 and the minimum $2.60 with an average of $3.28 and a toll rate per mile of 25 cents.
The tolls will vary and be adjusted to keep traffic flowing smoothly. Officials expect the average to be about $3 for the whole 14 miles with the maximum being $9.95 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays if traveling on Route 73 north to the county line.
The goal of the project is to encourage more carpooling to cut down on pollution. Carpools with a driver and a passenger can use the express lanes for free for the first 3 1/2 years during non-rush hour times, but will have to pay a toll during peak times.
Vehicles with a driver and two passengers will always get to use them for free. Veterans, the disabled, and motorcyclists will likewise get a break from paying. Electric-powered vehicles will get a 15 percent discount.
Drivers will have to get a switchable FasTrak transponder to use the express lanes. They can be purchased from the toll agencies for $15.
The revenue generated by the tolls will bankroll a variety of traffic-related improvements in the San Diego 405 Freeway area in Orange County.
