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Michigan

Michigan Department of Transportation Manages US-23 Flex Lane

The state uses shoulder lanes to ease congestion on the highway between M-14 and I-96.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Car Types

Isometric editorial illustration of a highway corridor with a wide shoulder and overhead gantries, representing traffic management infrastructure.
The Michigan Department of Transportation employs a flex lane strategy on US-23, utilizing shoulder space to alleviate peak-hour highway congestion without requiring structural expansion. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Michigan Department of Transportation actively manages a flex lane on US-23 by converting the shoulder into a temporary travel lane during peak hours. Operators utilize 49 cameras to monitor traffic and ensure safety across the corridor.

Why it matters

Using the shoulder as a lane provides a cost-effective alternative to expensive freeway widening projects. This strategy helps manage traffic flow during heavy volume periods without requiring permanent infrastructure expansion.

A university study found that the flex route achieved a 34% reduction in southbound crashes and a 50% decrease in crashes during peak periods. Operators perform mandatory 10-minute safety checks before opening the lane.

The players

Michigan Department of Transportation

This state agency oversees the construction, maintenance, and operation of Michigan's highway and transportation systems.

Michigan State University

This public research university conducted the safety analysis evaluating the efficacy of the US-23 flex route implementation.

The details

The flex lane operates on a set schedule, with southbound lanes open from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and northbound lanes from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. MDOT also opens the lane for high-traffic events like University of Michigan football games.

Timeline

  1. Daily monitoring by operators occurs from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  2. Southbound flex lanes operate daily from 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

  3. Northbound flex lanes operate daily from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

  4. A December 2021 study evaluated the route between M-14 and M-36.

Roadmap

The US-23 flex route aligns with the Federal Highway Administration's Active Traffic Management guidelines to maximize existing road capacity. This approach represents a broader industry shift toward optimizing current infrastructure through smart technology rather than traditional lane expansion.

Drivers using the US-23 corridor can expect improved traffic flow during morning and evening peak times. Motorists should remain aware of overhead signage, as the shoulder lane is only accessible when specifically designated as open for travel.

The takeaway

Smart lane management utilizes existing shoulder space to significantly reduce peak-hour traffic accidents and congestion. Drivers should pay close attention to electronic indicators to ensure they are using the flex lane only when it is safely opened by transportation authorities.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest infrastructure strategies on our Car Types page.

More information

View official operational details on the MDOT US-23 flex route information page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WXYZ 7 News Detroit.

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Do you trust local transit authorities to prioritize efficient traffic flow over automated safety protocols?