How to manage congestion on U.S Highway 101 in San Mateo County and northern Santa Clara County is the focus of two public meetings this week.

A proposal being considered by transportation officials aims to provide a "continuous managed lane" in each direction on Highway 101 from the end of the express lanes in Santa Clara County to the intersection with Interstate Highway 380 in San Mateo County, near San Francisco International Airport. It could include carpool lanes (or high-occupancy vehicle lanes) or express lanes, which are carpool lanes that can also be accessed by paying a toll.

Goals include reducing congestion and improving travel time along the corridor as well as encouraging commuters to carpool and use transit.

A statement from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority says "finding a solution to the growing congestion and associated delays has become a high priority."

The range of alternatives includes a combination of converting existing carpool lanes to express lanes, and the addition of new carpool or express lanes on Highway 101 between Whipple Avenue in Redwood City and the Highway 380 interchange.

The project may include removing or replacing existing auxiliary lanes between interchanges; reconstructing ramp connections to Highway 101; and installing electronic toll-collection infrastructure.

The first meeting was held May 31 in San Mateo City Hall. The second meeting is on Monday, June 5, at 6:30 p.m. in Redwood City's City Hall at 1071 Middlefield Road in Redwood City.

The meetings will be hosted by the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, Caltrans and the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG).

Find more information, go to dot.ca.gov/d4/101managedlanes.