The growing congestion problems on two major Montgomery County (web|news) -area roads in causing Maryland state transportation highway officials to look into the use of high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes.

Doug Simmons, deputy administrator with the State Highway administration, told the Examiner that the state is studying how HOT lanes, HOV lanes, and mass transportation could ease traffic on parts of I-270 and the beltway, but they haven't committed to any one solution yet.

A study released last week by the Montgomery County planning board said that commuters may spend 50 more hours stuck in traffic in 2012 than in the year 2005 because of the growth of 38,000 new homes and 127,000 new jobs that are expected in the next four years.

However, Simmons says that even if the funding existed, it would take 10-years to implement the project.

Councilwoman Nancy Floreen, chair of the county council's transportation committee, told the Examiner that idea of tolls on county roads is, "a little over the top."

Information From WTOP Radio

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