In spring 2019, the state transportation department abruptly opened the lane up to all travelers, arguing the added capacity would help relieve some of the congestion north of the city that was exacerbated by lane closures on and around the Tobin Bridge amid major rehabilitation work.
The move sparked an outcry from transportation and environmental advocates, with the Conservation Law Foundation — which negotiated the Big Dig measures — threatening to sue, arguing the HOV lane should not have been opened to more travelers without following a proper public process.
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