The move comes as part of three other prospects OCTA is considering as part of its 405 Improvement Project, which would smooth traffic through the area: adding one lane in each direction; adding two lanes in each direction; and a final measure which calls for various improvements along the freeway, such as auxiliary lanes, though officials say there are no specifics yet.
The HOT lanes, as well as the first two alternatives, are estimated to cost between $1.2 billion and $1.7 billion each. And less than $500 million in Renewed Measure M funds will be used for the improvement project.
But it's still early in the process, with development about seven to 10 years down the road. And the agency aims to involving those who may have an opinion on the matter in the planning of it.
"OCTA has been working closely with the stakeholder cities and interested parties to make sure they have a roll as the project moves along," says spokesman Joel Zlotnik.
The agency plans to solicit the public's opinion on this project during the fall. This would begin the process of drafting the environmental impact report, which could be completed in 2011.