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In June of 2017 a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and a Record of Decision (ROD) was signed by the FHWA that identified the HOT 3+ & EXP & HCT Alternative (also referred to as Alternative HOT 3+) as the Selected Alternative. This alternative consisted of adding one High Occupancy Toll (HOT) 3+ lane (three or more occupants per vehicle required for non-tolled use, or one/two occupants per vehicle paying a toll) in each direction between 25th Avenue and Austin Boulevard; conversion of one existing general-purpose lane in each direction west of 25th Avenue and east of Austin Boulevard to HOT 3+ use; and provisions for express bus service and a high-capacity transit extension.   Based on an FHWA project Cost Estimate Review in June of 2017, the construction cost of the Selected Alternative was estimated at $3.2 billion.

As the proposed improvement is not currently included in Department’s FY 2021-2026 Proposed Highway Improvement Program and continues to be one of several regional expressway corridors competing for limited available state and federal funding, the Department must now consider more sustainable solutions for addressing the reconstruction needs of this facility and is continuing to evaluate financial plans and methods to deliver this improvement. 

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Brenda Alicea, Consultant Studies Unit Head, at (847) 705-4107.