Travelers in the Inland Empire received some potentially good news as San Bernardino County debuts its first set of express toll lanes along a stretch of the often clogged 10 Freeway. This new 10-mile leg, running between the county line near Montclair and Etiwanda Avenue in Ontario just ahead of the Labor Day weekend, aims to alleviate some of Southern California's notorious traffic woes. The lanes opened on Wednesday at 10 p.m., following a construction saga that spanned four years. Commuters have the option to buy into a faster journey using the FasTrak electronic toll collection system, which allows for seamless toll payments without the need to stop. This system, which extends through multiple transportation corridors in California, is now a feature that looms large over the 10 Freeway.
As the barriers lifted and the new pathways welcomed their first travelers, Tim Watkins, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino Transportation Authority, acknowledged the public's endurance during the construction period. Watkins conveyed to ABC7, "The public has been, in my opinion, unbelievably patient during this construction effort while we try to build a very complex engineering effort while maintaining traffic." With nearly 300,000 vehicle trips recorded daily through this section, Watkins highlighted the potential relief the lanes could offer during peak hours.
The toll pricing for these express lanes isn't fixed but instead operates on a demand-responsive model. The cost can fluctuate, starting at 70 cents and rising with traffic density, potentially reaching up to seven dollars from end to end during high-demand periods. Tim Watkins explained to FOXLA how the pricing structure is a "dynamic strategy," with digital signs displaying the current rate at each entry point, ensuring transparency for motorists so they know the price upon entry.
The initial phase of what is projected to be a 33-mile corridor of express lanes was not an insignificant feat. According to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the work included merging a high-occupancy vehicle lane and a general-purpose lane, adding auxiliary lanes that connect ramps, and widening bridges. Indeed, the project's scope was broad and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority anticipates continued expansion. With phases two and three on the horizon, extending these seamless stretches to Redlands, Tim Watkins, speaking to the commitment of the agency, hinted at an ongoing investment in the community's mobility and efficiency.
Enthusiasm over the new travel lanes isn't limited to transportation officials. Malyki Dade, a local security guard and daily commuter on the 10, shared his relief over the opening, saying, "Sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic every morning is very irritating, so this will be a huge benefit." His sentiment mirrors the expected sentiment for many who travel between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, with the authority's website stating that the effort should result in quicker commutes and less congestion.
