Michigan I-96 Flex Route

Facing increasing congestion on a critical 12-mile span of Interstate 96 in Southeast Michigan, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has implemented a new Flex Route — an innovative solution using existing infrastructure to enhance traffic flow and safety. 

Designing Adaptability 

Michigan’s journey toward smarter, more adaptive highways began before I-96. HNTB previously supported MDOT with the delivery of the state’s first active traffic management (ATM) project, US-23 Flex Route, providing planning, design and ITS system management services. The momentum of this initial Flex Route in solving congestion challenges is leading to its implementation in other heavily traveled corridors. 

For the I-96 initiative, HNTB led the planning and final design of roadway improvements, bridge rehabilitation, drainage upgrades, signing updates and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) — ensuring flex lanes can operate safely and efficiently, with clear lane control signage and real-time traffic management capabilities. 

Unlocking Capacity 

Dynamic Shoulder Utilization: Rebuilt median shoulders serve as a flexible left lane for part-time use during peak congestion, maintenance, incidents or special events, expanding capacity as needed. 

Real-Time Traffic Management: Overhead gantries, equipped with cameras, detection systems, lane control signs and message boards, notify drivers of available lanes, variable speed advisories, queue detection and traveler information to ensure safe and informed driving. 

Optimized Ramp Metering: Dynamic ramp metering systems on eight freeway entrance ramps reduce bottlenecks, ease traffic entry and help mitigate congestion. 

Comprehensive Corridor Modernization: Other corridor enhancements include rebuilt ramps, new and upgraded box culverts, bridge rehabilitations, seven newly built crash investigation sites and general pavement improvements to ensure long-term corridor resilience and safety. 

Enhancing Mobility 

Utilizing dynamic shoulder lanes, MDOT is providing expanded driving space on I-96, enhancing mobility and safety for Michigan drivers while addressing current congestion and future demands.