The new proposal does away with lane expansions on the eastern part of I-495 and I-270 following criticism from environmental activists and local officials, the DCist reports.

However, plans to replace the American Legion Bridge and add two high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in each direction on the bridge from I-270 to I-370 in the northern area remain. Vehicles with three or more people, including buses, would ride for free.

The statement explains “the new alternative proposes adding one HOT managed lane and converting the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane into a HOT managed lane, resulting in a network of two HOT managed lanes in each direction.”

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) says the decision came following “several months of continuous collaboration and listening to agency partners, public officials and stakeholders.”

However, it’s not all set in stone. MDOT says the new Recommended Preferred Alternative (RPA) “does not suggest that improvements will not be needed on the top side and east side of I-495. If the new RPA is selected at the conclusion of the MLS [Managed Lane Study], consideration of improvements to remaining parts of the interstate system would advance separately, subject to additional environmental studies, analysis and collaboration with the public, stakeholders and agency partners.”