I-485 toll prices to increase during peak hours

CHAROTTE — Drivers will soon pay slightly more to use parts of the new Interstate 485 toll lanes in south Charlotte. Beginning Monday, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority will raise tolls by up to 25 cents in five segments during peak travel times, while some lower-demand areas will see reduced rates.

>>LINK: Stay updated on live traffic conditions

I-485 toll increases (NC TURNPIKE AUTHORITY)

The cost to drive on the toll lanes will go up by a quarter if you’re driving westbound on Tuesday through Thursday from Weddington Road to Providence Road between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from Highway 51 to Westinghouse Boulevard between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Going eastbound Tuesday through Thursday evenings will also cost an additional quarter from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.:

From Westinghouse Boulevard to Highway 51
Johnston Road to Providence Road
Providence Road to Weddington Road
Weddington Road to Highway 74

Prices will also go down by a quarter or less if you’re traveling eastbound on any of these routes from Monday to Friday before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.

The turnpike authority announced the changes to “help maintain reliable and predictable travel times as demand continues to grow,” which will “better balance traffic flow,” and “preserve the level of reliability drivers expect.”

Increasing toll lane prices is likely to put more of those drivers back on the main lanes of I-485, potentially increasing congestion.

Channel 9 reached out to the turnpike authority for an interview to ask them to explain exactly how the new prices balance traffic. We’ll let you know when we speak to them.