![]() |
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. |
October 2017
More information focuses on how to drive new Flex Route
![]() |
Sample depiction of billboard advertising appearing along US-23. |
The US-23 Flex Route, which is located on US-23 between M-14 and M-36 (9 Mile Road), will soon be fully operational. Michigan's first Flex Route will include a network of easy-to-read signs, cameras, and electronic message boards attached to overhead gantries that will constantly monitor traffic conditions. The components that make up the system all work together to ease traffic congestion by opening the median (flex) lanes as needed – and to alert motorists regarding any traffic incidents that may be ahead.
Because the Flex Route will be launched in early November, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) encourages every motorist to review the information available concerning how it operates.
"As we get closer to making the Flex Route fully operational, we want to make sure that motorists understand both how the system works and how it can improve their travel times through this corridor," said Mark Sweeney, MDOT Brighton Transportation Service Center (TSC) manager. "Beginning the first of November, we will step up our efforts to get this important information out."
At that time, billboards will be placed along US-23 encouraging drivers to visit the Flex Route website at www.FlexRoute23.com, where they will find an instructional video, a brochure, a series of newsletters posted throughout 2017, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions that MDOT believes will address any questions motorists might have.
Flex Route Newsletter Topics February: New Flex Route to significantly improve travel time and safety (an introduction) March: New technology will alert motorists to what's ahead (what the overhead signs can tell you) April: Flex Lane offers viable solutions for managing temporary traffic congestion (why it works) May: Driver awareness key to Flex Route success (understanding the lane control signs); and Flex Route concept finds success in another state (Washington reports that the system works!) June: The inner workings of MDOT's new Flex Route system (how does it all work?) July: Construction of Michigan's first Flex Route hits halfway point (status report for related project improvements) August: Michigan's first Flex Route supports driverless vehicle technology (how it relates to the bigger picture) September: Flex Route 23 will improve travel today and for decades to come (future research) |
Because the median shoulders (or flex lanes) will be used as temporary lanes, it is critical that all motorists both understand and follow the rules regarding how to safely drive the Flex Route. The instructional video online describes how the Flex Route will work to actively manage traffic, including how the signs posted on the overhead gantries will help alert motorists.
Here are the basics:
1. Dynamic Lane and Shoulder Use
a. When motorists see a green arrow on the overhead sign, it means that the shoulder/flex route is open to improve traffic flow and relieve congestion.
b. When traffic is light or there are no traffic incidents, a red X posted above the lane means the shoulder/flex route is closed and should not be used.
2. Queue Warning System
a. A yellow chevron/merge sign posted overhead advises motorists to merge or move over to avoid any incidents.
b. Additional signs might provide motorists with more information, such as that there is an incident or blocked lane ahead. This early warning system promotes safety by minimizing the potential for secondary crashes along the route ahead.
3. Real-Time Speed Advisory System
a. Traffic speed is constantly monitored to detect any slowdowns. Recommended speeds will be posted above each open lane.
b. If traffic slows, a lower recommended speed limit will then be posted above the open lane, which will enhance safety by alerting motorists to a change in conditions ahead.
News outlets and social media also will provide messages regarding how to drive Michigan's new Flex Route. For example, "MDOT to launch flex route on US-23 to ease rush hour traffic – here's how it works" is an article recently posted on clickondetroit.com.
Current and upcoming construction activities(See map)
US-23:
![]() |
Flex Route construction near the US-23/M-14 interchange |
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS):
Interchanges:
Warren and Joy Road Structures:
More photos are available on our Facebook page.
Download MDOT's Mi Drive traffic information app: www.michigan.gov/drive.