LA Metro approves toll lanes on two freeways

Starting next December, solo drivers will be able to use the carpool lanes of the 10 and 110 Freeways – for a fee. KPCC’s Cheryl Devall has more on Thursday’s decision by the board of LA County’s transportation agency.

Under the plan, Caltrans and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will establish toll lanes on 14 miles of the 10 Freeway between Alameda Street and the 605 Freeway. Another 11 miles of the 110 – from Adams Boulevard to 182nd Street in Artesia – would also carry toll lanes. Depending on traffic flow, the carpool lanes would charge from 25 cents to $1.40 a mile.

This congestion-pricing plan, the largest of its kind in the country, is tied to $210-million in federal transportation money. LA County will try charging the tolls for a year, and they may become permanent if they make a serious dent in traffic congestion. Metro board members unanimously approved the toll project. They say it’ll help keep freeway traffic moving at a minimum 45 miles an hour – and will help the regional economy with road improvements and 7,000 related construction jobs.