New 35W commuter lanes flowing smoothly

According to state transportation officials, the new lanes dedicated to carpoolers, buses and drivers who signed up to pay tolls were flowing at 50 miles an hour.

By BOB VON STERNBERG and JIM FOTI, Star Tribune

Last update: September 30, 2009 - 11:14 AM

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And they're off -- apparently without a hitch.

During the first four hours of the morning commute on Interstate 35W into downtown Minneapolis this morning, the new MnPass lanes were working as advertised.

According to state transportation officials, the new lanes dedicated to carpoolers, buses and drivers who signed up to pay tolls were flowing at 50 miles an hour.

Meanwhile, stretches of the freeway used by solo commuters were clogged as usual.

"The MnPass technology's working well, but there's still congestion out there in the other lanes, just like there was yesterday," said department spokesman Nick Thompson.

Between 6 a.m., when the lanes became operational, and 8 a.m., about 300 transponder-equipped vehicles used the lane, he said.

So far, about 2,000 commuters have signed up to use the MnPass and shoulder lanes, similar to the MnPass lanes on I-394 already used by more than 12,000 motorists. Motorcycles, carpools and authorized buses can use the lanes for no charge, while solo drivers who have MnPass electronic tolling transponders use them for a fee.

The minimum toll is 25 cents. Rush-hour tolls are expected to range from $1 to $4 for the entire trip, depending on traffic.

Between I-494 and Burnsville Parkway, tolling and other restrictions will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. northbound and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. southbound. At other times, the lanes will be available to general traffic.

The northbound shoulder lane north of 42nd will be open during peak periods and as needed during congestion. When it's not open, it will revert to a shoulder and carry no traffic.

When the reconstruction of the Crosstown Commons is finished in about a year, MnPass lanes will run continuously between 42nd Street and Burnsville.

To sign up for MnPass, visit www.mnpass.org or call 1-866-397-4334. Transponders are leased for $1.50 a month, and drivers who sign up before the end of October are eligible for $25 in tolling credits.