State Working On Hiking Tolls On Dade's I-95 Express Lanes

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The express lanes on I-95 between the Golden Glades and State Road 112 have become very popular.

In fact, too popular.

Now state officials are working on raising the maximum toll rate to a $1.50 a mile to cut down on congestion in these lanes during peak traffic times, according to The Sun-Sentinel.

Tolls on the express lanes vary depending on the level of congestion, in order to keep traffic in the express lanes moving at a minimum of 45 MPH. Rates, which are set every 15 minutes, can go anywhere from a quarter to $7 to make the seven mile trip. If they increase goes through, the maximum toll would be $10.50.

State officials say they would consider another rate hike if a large number of drivers were willing to shell out the higher rate over a six month period.

The new hike would also increased the minimum toll from 25-cents to 50-cents.

The proposed rates are going through a rule-making process, and officials couldn't say when they expected to be complete or when the rates would take effect, according to the paper.