Quote Originally Posted by Spartan View Post
Actually, most studies show that adding lanes rarely decreases traffic. If they add 50% more road space to the exit, 50% more people will use that exit. Obviously, it is somewhat situational, but there is no conclusive evidence that adding lanes reduces traffic
Adding lanes increases capacity. Of course it doesn't decrease traffic volume. It's not intended to.

Freeways slow low down when people merge. Being able to pass slow traffic is key, especially when merging traffic is not attempting to get up to speed with the freeway.
As long as we have enough lanes to allow express traffic and proficient drivers to bypass the circus in the right two lanes we will be good.