5/25/05-Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed a bill into law calling for a study to determine whether to let commuters use emergency lanes and paved shoulders during certain time periods.
The new law, previously HB273, encourages – but doesn’t require – the Georgia Department of Transportation to study the use and implementation of so-called “flex auto lanes” for congested highways in the state.
The flex lanes would be used only in certain hours, such as morning and evening rush hours, and never for more than eight hours a day.
Georgia would need federal permission to implement the program on interstates and major highways that were built with federal funds.
It would also allow solo drivers to use high occupancy vehicle lanes, or HOV lanes, on the weekends.

4/12/05-The Senate has approved a measure that calls for a study to determine whether to let commuters use emergency lanes and paved shoulders during certain time periods.
The bill, which previously passed the House, now moves to Gov. Sonny Perdue for approval.
Sponsored by Rep. John Lunsford, R-McDonough, HB273 would encourage – but not require – the Georgia Department of Transportation to study the use and implementation of so-called “flex auto lanes” for congested highways in the state.
The flex lanes would be used only in certain hours, such as morning and evening rush hours, and never for more than eight hours a day.
Georgia would need federal permission to implement the program on interstates and major highways that were built with federal funds.
It would also allow solo drivers to use high occupancy vehicle lanes, or HOV lanes, on the weekends.
For bill status, call (404) 656-5015.

3/1/05-The Senate Transportation Committee voted on Feb. 24 to pass a bill that would add “flex auto lanes” to congested highways in the state.
HB273, which previously passed the House, has been sent to the full Senate for consideration.
Sponsored by Rep. John Lunsford, the measure would encourage – but not require – the Georgia Department of Transportation to let commuters use emergency lanes and paved shoulders during time periods.
The flex lanes would be used only in certain hours, such as morning and evening rush hours, and never for more than eight hours a day.
The bill prohibits GDOT from turning all emergency lanes in the state into flex lanes.
Georgia would need federal permission to implement the pilot program on interstates and major highways that were built with federal funds.
It would also allow solo drivers to use high occupancy vehicle lanes, or HOV lanes, on the weekends. Lunsford said the lanes should be open to all drivers when there isn’t much traffic.
For bill status, call (404) 656-5015.

2/17/05-The House has passed a bill to let commuters use emergency lanes and paved shoulders during certain time periods.
The measure, which passed 103-57 on Feb. 16, would encourage – but not require – the highway agency to make it happen. It has been sent to the Senate for further debate.
The so-called “flex lanes” would be used only in certain hours, such as morning and evening rush hours, and never for more than eight hours a day.
Georgia would need federal permission to implement the program on interstates and major highways that were built with federal funds.
HB273, sponsored by Rep. John Lunsford, R-McDonough, would also allow solo drivers to use high occupancy vehicle lanes, or HOV lanes, on the weekends. Lunsford said the lanes should be open to all drivers when there isn’t much traffic.
For bill status, call (404) 656-5015.

2/15/05-The House Transportation Committee passed a bill Feb. 14 that would let commuters use the emergency lanes and paved shoulders of some of the state’s most congested highways.
HB273, sponsored by Rep. John Lunsford, R-McDonough, would encourage – but not require – the Georgia Department of Transportation to make it happen.
The so-called “flex auto lanes” would be used only in certain hours, such as morning and evening rush hours, and never for more than eight hours a day.
Georgia would need federal permission to implement the program on interstates and major highways that were built with federal funds.
The bill would also allow solo drivers to use high occupancy vehicle lanes, or HOV lanes, on the weekends. Lunsford said the lanes should be open to all drivers when there isn’t much traffic.
It has been sent to the full House for further debate. For House bill status, call call (404) 656-5015.

2/14/05-A bill before the House Transportation Committee would let commuters use the emergency lanes and paved shoulders of some of the state’s most congested highways.
HB273, sponsored by Rep. John Lunsford, R-McDonough, would encourage – but not require – the Georgia Department of Transportation to make it happen.
The so-called “flex auto lanes” would be used only in certain hours, such as morning and evening rush hours, and never for more than eight hours a day.
Georgia would need federal permission to implement the program on interstates and major highways that were built with federal funds.
For House bill status, call (404) 656-5015.

2/4/05-Rep. John Lunsford, R-McDonough, has introduced a bill that would let commuters use the emergency lanes and paved shoulders of some of the state’s most congested highways.
HB273, introduced Feb. 3, would encourage – but not require – the Georgia Department of Transportation to make it happen.
The so-called “flex auto lanes” would be used only in certain hours, such as morning and evening rush hours, and never for more than eight hours a day.
Georgia would need federal permission to implement the program on interstates and major highways that were built with federal funds.
The bill is awaiting assignment to a committee. For House bill status, call (404) 656-5015.