Steamboat Springs — The Colorado Department of Transportation on Monday will host a telephone town hall to discuss the proposed pricing of a new express lane designed to expedite eastbound travel on Interstate 70 in the mountains.

The state’s High Performance Transportation Enterprise Board is seeking approval of a toll range of $3 to $30 for ExpressToll customers and $5 to $30 for drivers who don’t use ExpressToll.

The toll pricing will be dynamic, meaning the prices will be lower when there are fewer drivers using the toll lane and much higher when it is getting congested.

The lane, which will be open only during peak travel times on weekends and holidays, will run 10 miles from the Empire Junction to the Veterans Memorial Tunnels near Idaho Springs.

It is expected the lane will shave an average of 30 minutes off of a trip on I-70.

CDOT is hoping to open the express lane in December.

Northwest Colorado residents who want to learn more about the lane and weigh in on the proposed lane pricing can particpate in Monday’s telephone town hall meeting.

To particpate, call 1-877-229-8493 at 7 p.m. and use the PIN 112034.

CDOT is also hosting a public meeting on the same topic at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Idaho Springs Elks Lodge in Idaho Springs.

The express lane will come in the form of an improved inside shoulder on the interstate.

CDOT officials expect the lane will ultimately reduce travel times for everyone traveling this portion of the interstate when the lane is open during peak times.

The goal is to allow express lane travelers to maintain a speed of 40 to 45 miles per hour even when there is heavy congestion on the interstate.

To reach Scott Franz, call 970-871-4210, email scottfranz@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @ScottFranz10