Busy L.A. Street to get Bus-Only Lane

The contentious proposal had gone through many hearings, with some city residents fearing it would further increase congestion. The council has recommended that the city's transportation agency reconsider another 8.7 mile alignment, which would require another vote.

"Only a half-mile segment would need an additional lane, McAllester said, and there would be other improvements to the corridor such as widening in some areas, restriping, signal improvements and changes to some left/right-turn lanes.

Only buses would be allowed in the designated lanes from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Officials hope to begin construction of the lanes in the summer of 2012 and open them in mid-2013."