If you thought the price of a lift ticket to go skiing can sometimes be too pricey for the wallet, wait until you see how much you could be charged to drive there.

That's because the state of Colorado will now be implementing an express lane on I-70 which would stretch 13 miles heading into ski country. Depending on the traffic, tolls on the express lane could cost you anywhere between $3 to $30.

Yes, you read that right.

THIRTY DOLLARS.

The state says the ski lane would only be open 72 days out of the year, on weekends and Monday holidays. This means the regular workday traveler wouldn't encounter the fees but recreational travelers could face the hurt on the pocket.

It would also make the toll lane one of the priciest in the nation per mile, especially if you are charged the full $30 for the 13 miles. Officials say it would rarely hit $30, and would only in the heaviest traffic congestions.

But has anyone else driven I-70 in the Winter during the weekend and NOT experienced heavy traffic?

No one? Bueller...Bueller. That's what I initially thought. We ALWAYS feel the traffic pinch in the Winter.

Driving into the mountains? Well you have no worries. It's driving back where you'll feel the dollar signs as the express lane will be used when travelling east into Denver.

Public hearings will be held this week to get feedback from commuters on what they think of the tolls. State officials say the tolls would be used to pay back a $24.6 million loan.

So the question is...would you pay the $30 toll to be able to enjoy the mountains in the Winter? Or will you stay home so you don't have to face the sticker shock?

 

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