Cedar Park toll road rate set to rise

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority is proposing to adjust toll rates on the 183A toll road as part of a 5-mile northern extension project that is slated to open by 2012.

The plan includes the implementation of a previously-scheduled 20-cent toll increase at the Park Street Main Plaza on Jan. 1, 2010.

When the Northern Extension project opens, the Mobility Authority is also proposing a 30-cent toll rate reduction at the same plaza.

" I would hope that it would [go down]," said Charity Wood. "But I've seen these things happen before where it doesn't come back down."

Wood takes the tollway at least a couple of times a week. Her husband uses it everyday on his commute to work. The couple shells out about $80 a month to make the shorter trip.

"It's certainly a faster commute," said Wood.

The CTRMA said the reduction would be possible by adding a new toll gate to the new extension. The idea is to make the drive cheaper for drivers taking shorter routes.

"The $120 million Northern Extension project is being constructed seven years earlier than originally planned," said Mobility Authority Executive Director Mike Heiligenstein. "The extension will lead to faster and safer travel for drivers who choose to use it and at the same time allow us to lower tolls for some drivers."

As part of the proposal, beginning in 2013 tolls would be increased annually based on either the Consumer Price Index or the Texas Gross State Product per Capita.

"Annual inflation based increases protect customers from large one time toll increases while ensuring the Mobility Authority can keep up with increasing costs for highway maintenance, operating and construction," said Heiligenstein.

When the 183A Northern Extension is opened, a full-length trip will cost $2.70 for a customer with TxTag. Meanwhile, a trip on the current tolled portion of 183A between New Hope Road and RM 620 will drop from its current $1.80 to $1.75.

• Crystal Falls Mainline: currently, this is free and will remain so until 2012, when it will cost 95-cents
• Park Street Mainline: in 2007, it cost $1.35. In 2010, it will cost $1.55. In 2012, it will cost $1.25
• Lakeline Mainline: in 2007, it cost 45-cents. In 2010, it will cost 45-cents. In 2012, it will cost 50-cents.