Loop 1 Extensions Toll Road Complete Guide: MoPac, Rates & Payment 2025
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Loop 1 Extensions Toll Road Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag) + Pay By Mail
Length: 4 miles (TxDOT) + 11 miles (CTRMA Express Lanes)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Electronic tags, License plate recognition, Variable pricing
Operators: TxDOT (North Extensions), CTRMA (Express Lanes)
Also Known As: MoPac Expressway, MoPac Boulevard
Opened: 2007 (North Extensions), 2016-2017 (Express Lanes)
Do I Need an Electronic Tag for Loop 1? 2025 Update
No, you don't need an electronic tag to use Loop 1 Extensions - but you'll save significantly on toll costs with one. The system operates with dual toll structures: TxDOT's northern extensions offer 50% savings with electronic tags, while CTRMA's Express Lanes provide 33% savings plus variable pricing benefits.
Key Reality: Loop 1 serves over 180,000 vehicles daily and is projected to reach 220,000 by 2035. Electronic tags provide both cost savings and time benefits, especially during peak congestion periods when Express Lane tolls can exceed $15 per segment.
2025 Update: HCTRA now manages TxTag operations for the northern extensions. MoPac Express Lane base rates increased 8 cents in January 2025. The MoPac South project for additional express lanes is under public review with construction potentially starting in 2025.
Loop 1 Extensions Toll Costs: Current Rates
Loop 1 Extensions operates with two distinct toll systems: TxDOT's fixed-rate northern extensions and CTRMA's variable-priced Express Lanes. The system provides crucial north-south connectivity on Austin's west side.
Current System Structure (2025)
| Segment | Length | Location | Operator | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Extensions | 4 miles | Parmer Lane to SH 45N | TxDOT | Fixed rates |
| Express Lanes | 11 miles | Cesar Chavez to Parmer Lane | CTRMA | Variable pricing |
| Free Lanes | 22 miles | SH 45 South to Parmer Lane | TxDOT | No toll |
2025 Toll Rates - TxDOT North Extensions
| Toll Location | Electronic Tag | Pay By Mail | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Plazas | $1.32 | $1.98 | $0.66 (50%) |
| Standard Ramps | $0.87 | $1.31 | $0.44 (50%) |
| O'Connor Dr. Ramps | $1.17 | $1.76 | $0.59 (50%) |
2025 Toll Rates - CTRMA Express Lanes
| Pricing Structure | Electronic Tag | Pay By Mail | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate (2025) | $0.65 per segment | 50% higher + $1 fee | 8¢ increase from 2024 |
| Off-Peak Hours | $0.65-$2.00 | 50% higher + $1 fee | Light traffic conditions |
| Peak Hours | $2.00-$15.00+ | 50% higher + $1 fee | Heavy congestion |
| Full-Length Trip | $5.00-$100.00+ | 50% higher + $1 fee | Cesar Chavez to Parmer |
Vehicle Classification
TxDOT North Extensions: Classified by number of axles with progressive multipliers
- 2-axle vehicles: Base rate (cars, SUVs, pickups, motorcycles)
- 3-axle vehicles: 2x base rate
- 4-axle vehicles: 3x base rate
- 5-axle vehicles: 4x base rate
- 6-axle vehicles: 5x base rate
CTRMA Express Lanes: 2-axle vehicles only (no trucks or large vehicles permitted)
How to Pay Loop 1 Extensions Tolls
Loop 1 Extensions operates with completely automated cashless tolling across both systems. Payment methods vary by operator and segment.
1. Electronic Tag Systems:
- TxDOT Segments: TxTag (HCTRA), EZ TAG (HCTRA), TollTag (NTTA), K-TAG, Pikepass
- CTRMA Segments: TollTag, EZ TAG, TxTag, K-TAG, Pikepass, SunPass, ExpressToll, Fuego Tag, Bancpass
- 50% savings on TxDOT segments, 33% savings on CTRMA segments
- Automatic account deduction - no stopping required
2. Pay By Mail (License Plate Billing):
- TxDOT Segments: HCTRA processes billing, 50% higher rates
- CTRMA Segments: CTRMA processes billing, 50% higher rates plus $1 processing fee
- Camera captures license plate for untagged vehicles
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner
3. Variable Pricing System (Express Lanes Only):
- Real-time pricing based on traffic conditions
- Target speed: 45 mph minimum in Express Lanes
- 17 HD cameras and traffic detectors monitor conditions
- Algorithm adjusts rates to maintain free-flowing traffic
4. Veterans Discount Program:
- Available on TxDOT segments for qualified veterans
- CTRMA segments have separate veteran discount program
- Specialty license plates required
- Automatic recognition with registered electronic tag
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on Loop 1 Extensions, use TollGuru toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Rate Adjustments:
- January 1, 2025: TxDOT segments adjusted for inflation
- January 1, 2025: MoPac Express Lane base rate increased 8 cents to $0.65
- Variable pricing continues with peak tolls exceeding $15 per segment
- Annual rate adjustments continue based on Consumer Price Index
TxTag System Transition:
- November 2024: HCTRA assumed TxTag operations for TxDOT segments
- Unified billing system for Austin and Houston area toll roads
- Existing TxTag customers can continue using current tags
- New customers must obtain EZ TAG through HCTRA
MoPac South Development:
- December 2024: Public comment period extended to January 28, 2025
- Proposed: 8-mile extension from Cesar Chavez to Slaughter Lane
- Up to 6 new lanes with 2 tolled lanes in each direction
- Construction potentially starting in 2025 if approved
Traffic Management Improvements:
- Enhanced Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Center monitoring
- 17 high-definition cameras along Express Lane corridor
- Vehicle detectors every ½ mile for real-time traffic analysis
- Improved algorithm for variable pricing adjustments
Regional Toll Information
TxDOT Central Texas Turnpike System:
- Loop 1 North Extensions - 4-mile extension from Parmer Lane to SH 45N
- SH 45 North - Direct connection to Loop 1 providing I-35 access
- SH 130 Segments 1-4 - Eastern bypass connecting to Loop 1 system
- SH 45 Southeast - Southeast connection completing eastern bypass
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Network:
- MoPac Express Lane - 11-mile variable-priced express lanes
- 183A Toll - Northwest corridor with connections to Loop 1
- 290 Toll - Eastern Travis County connection
- 71 Toll Lane - Southeast Austin corridor
- 183 Toll - East Austin corridor
Planned Future Expansions:
- MoPac South - 8-mile extension from Cesar Chavez to Slaughter Lane
- Up to 6 additional lanes with express lane functionality
- Elevated sections around Barton Skyway
- Environmental studies and community input ongoing
Planning Your Journey
Route Planning:
- Total MoPac system: 26 miles (4 miles TxDOT toll + 11 miles CTRMA toll + 11 miles free)
- North-south connectivity: Downtown Austin to Cedar Park and beyond
- Alternative to I-35: Primary west-side bypass route
- Key connections: SH 45 North, Loop 360, SH 71, US 290
Express Lane Strategy:
- Use during peak hours for guaranteed 45+ mph speeds
- Monitor real-time pricing before entering
- Consider time value versus toll cost
- Free general-purpose lanes remain available
Cost Considerations:
- Electronic tags essential for regular users - significant savings
- Express Lane costs vary dramatically: $5-100+ for full-length trips
- Peak hour premiums can exceed $15 per segment
- North extensions: Fixed rates provide predictable costs
Historical Context:
- Named after Missouri Pacific Railroad right-of-way
- Original Loop 1 built in 1970s along railroad corridor
- North extensions completed 2007 as part of 2002 Central Texas Turnpike Project
- Express Lanes opened 2016-2017 after decade of planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay tolls on all of MoPac?
No, only specific segments have tolls. The 4-mile northern extension (Parmer Lane to SH 45N) has fixed TxDOT tolls. The 11-mile Express Lanes (Cesar Chavez to Parmer Lane) have variable CTRMA tolls. The remaining 11+ miles of MoPac are free to use.
How much do MoPac Express Lanes cost?
Express Lane tolls vary from $0.65 per segment during off-peak hours to $15+ per segment during heavy congestion. A full-length trip can cost $5-100+ depending on traffic conditions and time of day.
Can I still use the free lanes on MoPac?
Yes, free general-purpose lanes remain available on MoPac. The Express Lanes are optional and run parallel to the free lanes. You can choose to use either the free lanes or pay for the Express Lanes.
When will MoPac South be built?
MoPac South is under public review with the comment period extended to January 28, 2025. If approved, construction could begin in 2025, but completion would likely take 4-5 years of design and construction, potentially finishing around 2030.
What electronic tags work on all Loop 1 segments?
TxTag, EZ TAG, TollTag, K-TAG, and Pikepass work on all Loop 1 toll segments. CTRMA segments also accept SunPass, ExpressToll, Fuego Tag, and Bancpass. HCTRA now manages TxTag operations for TxDOT segments.
Do trucks pay different rates on MoPac?
On TxDOT segments, trucks pay progressive rates based on axle count (3-axle = 2x, 4-axle = 3x, etc.). The Express Lanes are limited to 2-axle vehicles only - large trucks cannot use the Express Lanes.
Loop 1 vs. Austin Alternatives
| Route | Length | Cost | Traffic | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MoPac (All Segments) | 26 miles total | $0.65-$15+ per segment | 180,000+ vehicles/day | 45+ mph Express |
| I-35 Through Austin | ~25 miles | Free | Heavy congestion | Variable, often slow |
| Loop 360 | ~18 miles | Free | Moderate congestion | 45-55 mph |
| SH 130 Eastern Bypass | 91 miles | $18.87 full length | Light traffic | 80-85 mph |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- MoPac Express Lane - CTRMA variable-pricing express lanes
- Loop 1 North Extensions - TxDOT fixed-rate northern segments
- SH 45 North - Direct connection to Loop 1 system
- Austin Toll Roads - Complete Central Texas toll road network
- MoPac South Project - Planned southern expansion
- 183A Toll - Northwest Austin connections
Customer Service:
- HCTRA (TxDOT Segments): 281-875-3279
- CTRMA (Express Lanes): (833) 762-8655
- Online Account Management: hctra.org (TxDOT), PayMobilityBill.com (CTRMA)
- In-Person Service: 12719 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78727
Planning Resources:
- Real-time MoPac Express Lane rates: mobilityauthority.com
- TxDOT Austin Area: txtag.org
- MoPac South project information: mopacsouth.com
- Traffic conditions: Real-time cameras and detectors
