What are Express Toll Lanes?
Express Toll Lanes (ETLs^SM) is a tolled highway facility that provides an effective method of relieving highway congestion. ETLs utilize variable priced tolling to manage highway traffic flow, and open-road technology, which eliminates traditional toll booths. Instead, tolls are collected electronically at highway speeds using E-ZPass® technology and overhead gantries.
What is the I-95 Express Toll Lanes Project?
The I-95 Express Toll Lanes Project consists of the addition of two ETLs in each direction of I-95 between I-895 to just north of White Marsh Boulevard (MD 43) – the most congested portion of I-95 north of Baltimore City. Motorists traveling between these two points will have a choice of paying a toll to drive in relatively free-flowing lanes, or utilizing the general-purpose lanes with no toll. ETLs will help reduce congestion and improve safety for all motorists, whether they use the express toll lanes or travel in the general-purpose lanes.
What are the I-95 Express Toll Lanes project limits?
The ETLs project limits currently extend 8 miles along I-95 from the I-895 split to just north of White Marsh Boulevard. There will be four general-purpose (non-tolled) lanes and two ETLs in each direction.
Where will I be able to access the ETLs?
Motorists will have the option of entering the northbound Express Toll Lanes on I-95, at Moravia Road, and on I-895 just prior to the I-95 merge. Motorists will be able to access the southbound Express Toll Lanes on I-95, just north of the MD 43 interchange and at the MD 43 interchange.
How will ETLs help manage congestion?
The ETLs will utilize variable priced tolling to help provide more reliable travel times and better manage congestion. This means that tolls will be higher during peak-travel times, like commute periods and reduced during off-peak and overnight periods, when traffic volumes are lower.
How will ETLs help improve safety?
Reconfigured interchanges have improved traffic operations. We’ve eliminated left-hand exits from the general-purpose lanes at the I-695 interchange as well as modified the traffic pattern on southbound I-95 at I-895, giving priority movement to the majority of motorists – those who continue along I-95.
When will the I-95 Express Toll Lanes open?
The Express Toll Lanes are anticipated to be fully operational in 2014.
How much will I have to pay to travel the Express Toll Lanes?
Toll rates will be determined prior to the roadway opening and will be set to manage congestion. The toll rate will depend on the time of day and the traffic conditions on the road. For instance, it will cost more to use the ETLs during rush hour than it will during the middle of the day
What if I need to exit I-95 before the end of the Express Toll Lanes?
Except for access to MD 43 (Exit 67), the I-95 ETLs Project will be operated as a “through”, tolled expressway, so you will not be able to exit until you reach the end of the Express Toll Lanes. Concrete barriers will be constructed between the higher speed Express Toll Lanes and the general purpose lanes, and may only be crossed at special openings by emergency responders.
What if there is a crash within the Express Toll Lanes?
The I-95 Express Toll Lanes Project is designed as a “through” expressway with concrete barriers separating the ETLs and general purpose lanes. In case of a crash within the Express Toll Lanes, first responders will be able to quickly access the ETLs at emergency crossovers and turnarounds constructed at designated locations along the highway.

Click here to download the Move It: Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Collision Policy to keep in your vehicle. Also included is the form for you to complete when you need to MOVE IT off the road after a minor traffic incident.
What other states or agencies utilize Express Toll Lanes?
The I-95 ETLs are modeled on successful congestion-management projects constructed along major travel corridors in Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; Lee County, Florida; Salt Lake City, Utah; Minneapolis, Minnesota and Ontario, Canada.

Updated: 08/26/2010

Maryland Transportation Authority