I agree that the traffic grows to fit the capacity of the highway system.  Look at LA, Houston, Atlanta, even our little Portland.  Do we really want to emulate that model?  Expanding the road out to Veneta/Elmira would ruin what is now a very scenic drive.  I think we should spend that money on bike routes, sidewalks and buses and trains.  Wouldn't hurt to try it.  Somehow gorgeous Vancouver (Canada) gets by very well with almost no freeways.