MDOT makes operational improvements to US-23 Flex Route in Livingston, Washtenaw counties

Fast facts:

• MDOT has made some operational changes to the US-23 Flex Route in Livingston and Washtenaw counties to improve safety and efficiency.
• Recommended speed limits will no longer be shown on overhead gantries when flex lanes are open unless deemed necessary.
• US-23 is the first Flex Route to open in Michigan (2017). A project to extend the Flex Route north to I-96 is currently underway.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - To make the roads safer and more efficient, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has made operational improvements to the US-23 Flex Route in Livingston and Washtenaw counties. Research study findings and public feedback have led to these upcoming changes.

"Previously, when the median shoulder was open to traffic, the recommended speed of 60 mph was displayed overhead on both the general-purpose lanes and a green arrow was displayed over the left/median shoulder," said MDOT Transportation Operations Center (TOC) Engineer Stephanie Palmer. "Now, when the shoulder is open to traffic, only a green arrow will be displayed over the shoulder and the other overhead signs will be blank. No speeds will be displayed unless deemed necessary."

When recommended speeds are posted, they will be posted over the travel lanes, replacing the green arrow over the shoulder. Shoulder use is prohibited when a red X is displayed.

MDOT's Flex Routes are monitored by the department's TOCs. The TOCs are a 24/7/365 operation that houses dispatchers from MDOT and Michigan State Police. The agencies share resources and information by monitoring traffic sensors, distress calls and video feeds from closed-circuit TV cameras. They also coordinate their efforts with law enforcement agencies and other transportation officials. Staff are also be notified by Statewide TOC operators and law enforcement when incidents are spotted in the field.

The first Flex Route in Michigan was built along US-23 between M-14 and M-36 (9 Mile Road) in Livingston and Washtenaw counties. A project is currently underway to extend that Flex Route north all the way to I-96. Another Flex Route is currently being built along I-96 in Oakland County from Kent Lake Road to the I-275/I-696/M-5 interchange.