SEATTLE -- Tuesday was the first of a series of meetings to get public input about adding toll lanes to Interstate 405.

Dept. of Transportation officials are considering the addition of up to two express toll lanes that would connect with existing high occupancy toll, or HOT lanes, on state Route 167 in which drivers pay about a dollar to use the lanes, even if driving alone.

The state said traffic flow on the general purpose lanes of SR 167 has improved as a result of the HOT lanes project.

The DOT is holding open houses this week to get input from the public.

If approved, phase one would turn existing carpool lanes on part of I-405 into HOT lanes.

Officials said in years to come, if funding is available, there could be a 50-mile HOT lane corridor running from Puyallup in the south to Lynnwood in the north.

For times and locations of the meetings, see this list.