After 20 months of construction, commuters on the SR 237 corridor will have access to 7 more miles of express lanes that offer a more reliable commute in one of the most congested corridors in Silicon Valley.
On November 15, the Phase 2 opening extends express lanes west to Mathilda Avenue in Sunnyvale. Phase 1, which starts near Dixon Landing Road in Milpitas and includes the I-880/SR 237 connector, began its operation in March 2012. Since then, commuters have experienced anywhere between 7 and 20 minutes in time-savings using the express lane.
New Lanes. New Rules.
With the opening of the extension come new rule changes for the entire SR 237 Express Lanes corridor.
Staring November 15, extended hours on SR 237 Express Lanes will begin at 5:00 a.m. and continue through 8:00 p.m., which is consistent with all other Bay Area Express Lane facilities. Outside of that time, the lane will be available to regular traffic.
The most important rule change is that every driver using the express lanes will now be required to have a FasTrak transponder. This includes carpoolers, drivers of clean air vehicles, and motorcyclists. While the need for a transponder is new to SR 237, this has already been the practice for Express Lanes on I-580 and on I-680 in Contra Costa County.
Carpoolers and motorcyclists can continue to use the lane for free, but only with the adjustable FasTrak Flex toll tag. Motorcyclists should move the switch to the 3+ position before beginning their trip.
CAVs Need Tags Too
Drivers of eligible clean-air vehicles (CAVs) will be required to pay to use the Express Lane, receiving a 50% discount on the posted toll. To receive this discount, drivers must register their eligible vehicle on the Fastrak website and upload their CAV certificate. CAV owners will receive a special transponder and have tolls deducted at the reduced price, setting the CAV transponder to the "1" position when driving solo.
Drivers who enter the Express Lanes without a valid FasTrak account will receive a violation notice in the mail, requiring drivers to pay the initial toll amount and a penalty.
Get prepared by registering for a FasTrak transponder in advance. To get yours, visit 511.org.