The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in the US will soon implement a new traffic management system known as the Flex Route on US-23 highway, north of Ann Arbor region.

The latest initiative by MDOT is part of a major road and bridge improvement project on US-23.

According to the transport authority, the new Flex Route system uses upgraded median shoulders to better manage congestion and increase safety. It is a lane control system and comprises overhead signs, cameras, and electronic message boards.

The system is activated inside median shoulder during peak traffic hours and during special events, incidents when traffic volumes are heavier.

A green arrow on the overhead signs indicates that the median shoulder is safely available for use and a red X will indicate when the shoulder is closed and not for use as an additional lane.

“The new Flex Route technology is a winning combination for traffic management, convenience and safety.”

MDOT’s Statewide Operations Center (STOC) based in Lansing will maintain the Flex Route system.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder said: “Michigan is well known for our work on connected vehicles and having connected roadways will help us maintain our global leadership in mobility.

“The new Flex Route technology is a winning combination for traffic management, convenience and safety.”

The Flex Route system is part of a $92m investment along the corridor, which includes a replacement of bridges at 6 Mile Road, 8 Mile Road, and N Territorial Road.

The project also includes repairing bridges at four other locations, ramp upgrades, as well as repairing pavement between M-14 and Silver Lake Road, and expanding Intelligent Transportation Services (ITS) technology.