Removal of toll lane signs, equipment expected to begin in October

It has been more than a month since the toll lanes on the Cesar Chavez Border Highway were suspended, but the signs and equipment are still in place.

ABC-7 learned the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority and the Texas Department of Transportation are in the process of getting the signs removed and the lanes re-striped.

According to a report released last year, the toll lanes averaged fewer than 2,000 transactions per day, since they were opened in 2014.

Total revenues were less the $700,000, while expenses exceeded $1.2 million.

In early August, the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority unanimously voted to do away with the toll lanes.

The CRRMA had the backing of the Texas Transportation Commission after it also voted to remove the toll lanes.

The toll lanes spanned from Zaragoza to U.S. 54.

Raymond Telles, executive director of the CRRMA, told ABC-7 the work is expected to begin in October. TXDoT said the work could take up to two months.

The cost to remove the signs and equipment and to re-stripe the highway is unknown, but Telles said it will be paid for with the CRRMA operation and maintenance fund.

As of August 9, the toll lanes were suspended, meaning if drivers have used the toll lane after the date without a toll tag on their vehicles, they will not be charged.

“The cameras are off and we are not charging,” Tellles said.

If drivers received a charge via mail before August 9, drivers will still have to pay.

“This is not a forgiveness program,” Telles said.

Now, that third lane is open to traffic.

The CRRMA will still be in the toll lane business, it will operate the Border West Expressway when it is complete.

When asked if officials may reverse that like they did to the Border Highway, he said as of now, the Border West Expressway will be a completely tolled highway.