FDOT expecting to begin collecting tolls in mid-July on part of the First Coast Expressway

Soon there will be no more free rides on the First Coast Expressway.

The Florida Department of Transportation says they expect to start collecting tolls on most of the roadway beginning in mid-July. FDOT says they currently don’t have a specific date for when you’ll be charged, but when they do, they will announce it. FDOT says they’ll only begin collecting tolls between south of New World Avenue and Blanding Boulevard in Middleburg. The state says you won’t be charged between Beaver Street and New World Avenue since there are no tolling collection points in either direction along that stretch of road. FDOT says all the tolling will take place electronically, meaning cash won’t be accepted.

Unlike the new Express Lanes on the West Beltway, Sara Pleasants with FDOT says you'll be able to use a SunPass as well as TOLL-BY-PLATE.

“The toll rate doesn’t change, it’s the same for each segment everyday no matter what time of day it is.” Pleasants says.

FDOT says if you use SunPass you’ll be charged less compared to the TOLL-BY-PLATE program.

The first phase of the road runs from Beaver Street, east of Baldwin, south to Blanding Boulevard in Middleburg. The second phase will run from Blanding to east of County Road 209 in Green Cove Springs. Construction on that portion started earlier this Spring. The final phase will go from east of C.R. 209 to I-95 in St. Johns County. Construction on that section is expected to begin in 2023 and will include a replacement of the Shands Bridge across the St. Johns River.