The US Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has opened Metro ExpressLanes on the I-10 San Bernardino Freeway in Los Angeles, California, in a move to lower traffic congestion and provide drivers with more travel options.

The USDOT provided $210m to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority toward the total project cost of $290m for improvements on I-10 and I-110.

US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that lowering congestion through the new ExpressLanes on the San Bernardino Freeway will be of benefit to area companies and commuters.

The project comprises improvements including converting 14 miles of high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on the I-10 San Bernardino Freeway into high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes or express lanes.

This allows solo drivers between Union Station / Alameda Street and the I-605 Freeway to use the lanes for a fee.

In addition, the funds were also used for converting 11 miles of HOV lanes along the I-110 Harbor Freeway to express lanes, which opened in November 2012.

"Lowering congestion through the new ExpressLanes on the San Bernardino Freeway will be of benefit to area companies and commuters."

Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said that these express lanes have created jobs and brought an innovative solution to a very congested area of Los Angeles.

"When our highways work better, we have a better chance of attracting businesses and jobs," Mendez added.

The new lanes are expected to provide more reliable travel times to commuters on the freeway.

In November 2012, FHWA announced opening of the 495 Express Lanes in northern Virginia in order to provide new travel options on the Capital Beltway, one of the region’s busiest roads.

It also announced a $300m loan for new I-95 Express Lanes to help relieve congestion in the Washington, DC, metro area in the same month.