Puerto Rico highway 22 ‘dynamic toll lane’ opens today
The DTL is exclusive to cars and motorcycles with the AutoExpreso seal. Trucks, buses and towing vehicles are not allowed in the express lane.
Starting today users driving along Puerto Rico highway 22, commonly known as the José De Diego Expressway, will be able to use the new dynamic toll lanes that will run between the Buchanan and Toa Baja toll stations, operator Metropistas said.
The DTL comprises two reversible lanes located in the PR-22 median, which are already being used by the Metro Urbano or Bus Rapid Transit public transportation system. The goal is to help traffic flow faster during rush hour, charging drivers a toll that will depend on volume, ranging from .50 cents to $6 per trip.
“With the DTL we are offering an alternative to relieve traffic and help drivers reach their destinations faster. This alternative, which is optional, will also prove beneficial to those who use the regular highway lanes, since active usage of the DTL should result in smoother flowing traffic in the highway as a whole,” said Gonzalo Alcalde, CEO of Metropistas.
On weekdays, drivers will be able to access the DTL from Toa Baja to San Juan from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. at kilometer 22, with an exit on the Río Hondo bridge in Bayamón.
From San Juan to Toa Baja, access will be available from 1:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., immediately after the Río Hondo bridge at kilometer 12, with an exit before the Toa Baja toll station.
“Before reaching the access points, there will be electronic signs that will alert the driver of the toll rate applies at that particular time and will allow them to decide whether they want to access the DTL or keep using the regular highway lanes,” the company said in a release issued Wednesday.
The DTL is exclusive to cars and motorcycles with the AutoExpreso seal. Trucks, buses and towing vehicles are not allowed in the express lane.
The DTL was designed and built by the Highway and Transportation Authority and will be operated and maintained by Metropistas.
