Denver Area's Expensive Toll Road More Popular Than Ever

E-470 marks its 25th anniversary with increasing traffic volumes, increasing revenues, and an expansion plan in the works.

1 minute read

June 5, 2016, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


E-470 Toll

The toll entrance to E-470 from E Smoky Hill Road in Aurora, Colorado. | Google Streetview

The E-470 toll road recently hit its 25th anniversary at a time of high use, and high revenues. "But even as E-470 enjoyed its best year in 2015 and Wednesday celebrates its silver anniversary, longtime critics say the highway locks out too many local motorists who can’t afford its price tag," writes Monte Whaley.

A trip along the entire 47-mile expressway now costs $17.45, or $14 with an ExpressToll account. When the final phase of the route opened in 2003, the same trip cost $8.50. Some critics argue that cost of driving E-470 has betrayed the promise of trucks taking the route to bypass the city. For an 18-wheeler with five axles and no toll account, the entire route costs $69.50.

Yet, 2015 was the sixth year of growing traffic on E-470, which also increased net toll revenues to $173 million. The project's debt-income ratio even means that E-470 can "afford an $88 million expansion of the tollway between Parker Road and Quincy Avenue from two lanes to three in each direction."

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 in The Denver Post

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Workers putting down asphalt on road.

U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause

A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.

April 18, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Row of yellow Pacers Bikeshare bikes at station in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indy Bikeshare System Turns 10, Expands to E-Bikes

Pacers Bikeshare riders logged over 700,000 rides since the system launched in 2014.

14 minutes ago - Indy Today

Aeriel view of white sheep grazing on green grass between rows of solar panels.

Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US

The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.

1 hour ago - Columbus Dispatch

Pedestrians crossing a busy crosswalk on New York City street with tall buildings in background

New York’s Deadliest Neighborhoods for Pedestrians

Pedestrian deaths rose last year, but remain below pre-2020 levels.

2 hours ago - PIX 11

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.