New I‑80 Express Lanes Between Fairfield and Vacaville Open to Speed Up Commutes

Express lanes on I‑80 start tomorrow to ease rush‑hour backups

Tomorrow morning a new express lane on Interstate 80 will open for drivers between Fairfield and Vacaville, offering a faster option during the busiest parts of the day. The lane will operate only during daytime peak hours and will use electronic tolling rather than a booth. Officials say the rollout is meant to give commuters a more reliable trip across Solano County while still letting carpools and qualifying clean‑fuel vehicles use the lane at lower or no cost.

Where the lane runs, when it’s active, and how it’s signed

The new facility runs along I‑80 through Solano County between central Fairfield and eastern Vacaville. It is a single, dedicated express lane in each direction that sits adjacent to the general‑purpose lanes. The lane will be open during daytime peak periods — starting early in the morning and closing in the evening — and closed to tolling overnight and on certain weekends and holidays. Expect clear green‑and‑white signs on the freeway approaches showing entrance and exit points, plus overhead lane‑use signs that switch on during active hours.

Entry and exit are limited to marked on‑ramps and designated weave zones so the express lane keeps moving. The lane uses overhead cameras and electronic readers to register vehicles and collect tolls. Drivers should watch for pavement markings and signs showing where the lane begins and ends; entering from an unmarked location can lead to a violation.

What this will feel like for regular commuters

The goal is a noticeably quicker trip for people who use the express lane during busy times. By separating paying single drivers from the general lanes, traffic flow in both sets of lanes should improve; commuters who choose the express lane can expect a smoother, more predictable trip when demand is high. Local planners have said travel‑time savings will be most visible during the worst parts of morning and evening rush hours.

Because the express lane reduces the number of vehicles competing in the general lanes, some drivers who stick to the free lanes should also see steadier speeds. That said, the benefits depend on how many drivers use the lane and when. Early days of operation can bring learning‑curve effects — drivers sorting out where to enter or whether they need a transponder — which could cause short‑term slowdowns near access points.

Who paid for the project and who will run it

The project was funded through a mix of regional transportation dollars and state grants, with local agencies managing construction and operations. Toll revenue will help cover ongoing maintenance and the technology used to run the lane. A county transportation authority will oversee day‑to‑day operations, enforcement, and customer service, while state highway crews maintain the pavement and signage.

No private toll operator will collect fares; instead the system uses the regional electronic tolling network already in place across parts of California. That setup keeps billing and account management consistent with other nearby express lanes.

How to use the lane, set up tolling, and avoid fines

If you plan to use the express lane, set up an electronic toll account before you travel. The lane accepts the regional transponder that lets drivers choose an HOV setting if they are carpooling; the right transponder setting tells the system whether you qualify for a lower or waived toll. Without the proper transponder or account, the system will register your vehicle and bill the registered owner for the full toll amount.

Carpools and qualifying low‑emission vehicles can generally use the lane at reduced cost or for free, but only if they display the correct transponder setting and meet posted occupancy rules. Signs at entrances will list the vehicle types and occupancy needed. Cameras will enforce lane rules, and violations can trigger fines or civil penalties handled by the county agency that runs the facility.

For account questions, toll statements, or to check whether your vehicle qualifies as an HOV, contact the Solano County transportation authority or the statewide tolling customer service center. Customer service phone lines and local agency webpages will have the most current hours, rules, and instructions for getting a transponder.