HOT lane tolls reach record level

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — New toll prices went into effect Monday morning in Gwinnett County and quickly rose to a record amount.

The State Road and Tollway Authority raised prices on Interstate 85 in the area between Jimmy Carter Boulevard and Pleasant Hill.

Officials said so many commuters are using the “HOT” lanes between north Gwinnett and Interstate 285 that during rush hours, the express lanes are too congested.

The prices are in effect during peak rush hours, from 7 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m., with the goal to price drivers out of the express lanes.

The toll lane hit a record cost of $13.95 during the Monday morning rush hour. It is the maximum amount the law will allow.

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The previous record was $12.

More drivers are using the express lane and willing to pay, which slows down traffic below the Tollway Authority's goal of at least 45 mph, and means less benefit for those using the lane.

Drivers who Channel 2's Steve Gehlbach talked to said they would pay more if it means quicker commutes.

"If I'm paying $10 and I'm going a little faster than everyone else, then what's the point? But if $15 means it's a lot faster, I'm fine with that," driver Andy Sawyer said.

There was a crash near Jimmy Carter Boulevard Monday morning that slowed traffic down. It is not clear if on a normal morning tolls will get that high.

Cox Media Group