ATLANTA — The cost to use interstate tolls in metro Atlanta has soared in recent weeks and hit a new record this week.

The Gwinnett Daily Post reports that motorists paid a record $6.05 to use the lanes Tuesday morning.

Rates for the so-called HOT lanes on Interstate 85 northeast of Atlanta have steadily increased in the past year, from $4.70 in February to $5 in April.

Gena L. Evans, executive director of the State Road and Tollway Authority, said the price hit $6 at times last week and on Monday before setting Tuesday's record.

SRTA officials have say they've issued nearly 200,000 Peach Passes.

The I-85 toll lanes span about 16 miles from near Chamblee Tucker Road, just south of I-285, to Old Peachtree Road in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties.

The Trucker staff can be reached for comment at editor@thetrucker.com.

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