Q. A Jacksonville Today reader, Martha B., wanted to know more about tolls on the Interstate 295 express lanes in Jacksonville.
A. Yes, tolls are collected during certain times.
Two stretches of express lanes are subject to tolls on I-295. One is along the West Beltway in Mandarin from Interstate 95 to the Buckman Bridge. The other is on the East Beltway from Butler Boulevard to State Road 9B.
The Florida Department of Transportation uses what it calls time of day tolling on those stretches. What that means is the tolls are collected during the peak driving times Monday through Friday excluding state-recognized holidays. FDOT considers peak times to be 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
When using the express lanes during those hours, you need to have a SunPass. FDOT says Toll-by-Plate, which would bill you based on your license plate, is not accepted. If you don’t have a SunPass, you could be fined $25 if you use the express lanes during peak times.
Tolls are 50 cents per trip when in effect. Drivers are notified of the costs via overhead signs.
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