BUFORD, Ga. — State transporation offficials say high-occupancy vehicle lanes will soon be made available in metro Atlanta to solo commuters willing to pay for a faster commute.

Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Vance C. Smith Jr. and other transportation officials held a news conference on Thursday to discuss the project. It involves converting 16 miles of HOV lanes between Chamblee Tucker Road in DeKalb County and Old Peachtree Road in Gwinnett County to toll lanes. Work is set to begin this month.

Officials say those riding with two or more passengers still will have free access. Solo commuters facing heavy traffic in regular lanes will be able to travel in the express lanes for a fee based on traffic congestion.

They say signs will announce prices so motorists can decide whether to enter a lane.

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