Buckle up! Michigan’s first Flex Route — a temporary third lane of upgraded shoulders — is set to open to traffic in the not-too-distant future, aiming to ease congestion and travel times along the busiest corridor in the state outside of Metro Detroit.
The route is part of a $92 million investment along the U.S. 23 corridor north of Ann Arbor that repaired and replaced bridges, extended and improved ramps, repaired pavement and added sealcoating, and expanding technology.
The Michigan Department of Transportation estimates drivers will see up to a 50-percent savings in travel time when the Flex Route is open. MDOT also expects Flex Route to reduce the number of secondary crashes along the route.
The Flex Route is an active traffic management system that controls traffic along upgraded shoulders by using overhead signs, cameras, and electronic message boards. The inside median shoulder will open to vehicles when traffic volumes make it necessary: A green arrow on the overhead sign means the shoulder is open for traffic; a red X means the lane is closed.
Want to learn all about the new Flex Route? Kari Martin, regional planner for MDOT, will be on hand for the Livingston County Planning Department’s Brown Bag Lunch Series program, set for noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at the Livingston Educational Service Agency, 1425 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell. You can read more about the program and get information on registering by clicking here.
Here’s one of MDOT’s videos on the Flex Route:
