State transportation managers will test the new electronic tolling signs on Interstate 95 in Miami-Dade starting at 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Drivers should be prepared to encounter lane closures in the northbound express area -- and to ignore the posted prices. The express lanes, for now, remain free.

''We're just testing the equipment,'' said Florida Department of Transportation spokesman Brian Rick. ``There's no need to panic.''

The testing is scheduled for 9 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday and during the same hours starting Wednesday night. The schedule could change due to inclement weather.

The DOT and its contractors are testing the SunPass electronic tolling equipment and communications devices.

The DOT has not committed to a kickoff date for charging tolls, but based on the latest tests it appears to be aiming for early November.

SunPass-only tolls will vary based on congestion, with higher prices charged when more vehicles are using the express lanes, and lower during off-peak periods.

The DOT expects the toll to range from 25 cents to $2.65 under average conditions, but in unusual circumstances it could be as high as $6.20 to ensure speeds between 45 and 50 mph in the express lanes.

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