Work begins today on a new type of commuter traffic lane in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties designed to ease traffic congestion.
It's called a "flex route," and it's being constructed on US-23 between M-14 and Silver Lake Road. Road and bridge improvements are beginning on the $92 million project, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2017.
The new system will use innovative technology to manage peak-hour congestion and improve safety along the corridor.
The first phase of road work includes shoulder repairs in both directions and temporary ramp extensions. There will be some overnight single lane closures to accommodate the road work until mid to late November.
The Michigan Department of Transportation, meanwhile, is hosting a public meeting this coming Wednesday to provide information to the public about the project, which will use cameras and electronic message boards to let drivers know when additional lanes are open.
The public meeting is scheduled for November 9th at Whitmore Lake High School from 4 to 7 PM.
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— Lisa Barry is the host of All Things Considered on WEMU. You can contact Lisa at 734.487.3363, on Twitter @LisaWEMU, or email her at lbarryma@emich.edu