The Federal Highway Administration approved the program on Friday, though it could still be stopped by lawsuits. President-elect Donald Trump is also opposed to the plan.

The U.S. Transportation Department has approved New York ‘s plan to impose a $9 congestion charge for driving in Manhattan starting on Jan. 5, a move aimed at raising billions for mass transit and cutting traffic.

Federal highway officials on Friday backed the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s plan to toll most drivers entering Manhattan’s business district $9, clearing the way for a Jan. 5 start for congestion pricing. The decision by the U.S. Department ...