Some Maryland drivers may have an easier commute when the last two sections of the Intercounty Connector open later this month.
The stretch between I-270 and I-95 is scheduled to open on Nov. 22.
“The main purpose of this highway is to provide additional mobility and safety across the county and provide an alternate connection between the I-270 corridor and the I-95 corridor,” ICC Project Manager Melinda Peters said.
In order to alleviate congestion, the ICC is an all electronic highway. Drivers will need an E-ZPass account to pay the toll. Drivers without a valid E-ZPass account will pay 150 percent of the E-ZPass toll.
“The time savings will be very significant,” Maryland Transit Administration executive secretary Harold Bartlett said, adding that the new highway will cut the trip from Gaithersburg to BWI Airport from 71 minutes to 37 minutes.
The highway is a variably priced highway, with higher tolls during peak hours. To travel the stretch of the ICC between I-95 and I-370, drivers with a valid E-ZPass will pay $4 during peak hours, $3.20 off-peak and $1.60 overnight.
From Nov. 22 through Dec. 4, drivers will be able to test drive the highway for free.
Drivers can visit ezpassmd.com to sign up for an E-ZPass account or to find a list of retail locations.