Construction is expected to begin next fall new express lanes in each direction on Interstate 5 between Palomar Airport in Carlsbad and state Route 78 in Oceanside.
The lanes will be open to vehicles with two or more people, motorcycles, mass transit buses and qualified clean air vehicles.
"The idea is that the express lanes [will provide] free-flow conditions. So in theory, it should save time for the commuters because there will be an alternative mode of transportation and hopefully people will carpool," Caltrans project manager Arturo Jacobo said.
The lanes are scheduled to be completed in 2022 and will give commuters access to 20 continuous miles of express lanes from I-805/I-5 split to state Route 78.
The $100 million project includes sound walls in Carlsbad that will help reduce noise pollution to residents.
The plan also gives people ways to use alternative transportation by adding 7 miles of bicycle lanes near I-5 in Solana Beach.
Caltrans says to minimize disruption to nearby residents they will close down through lanes during off-peak traffic times.
