![]() ![]() For example, during planning and design, MDOT used the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s regional travel demand forecasting model and a VISSIM model to predict changes in traffic patterns and analyze the traffic impacts. ![]() To ensure project success, MDOT performed detailed analyses and sought innovations and efficiencies during each phase of the project. It addressed incident management and safety at a higher level than the other alternatives because it allows for the use of the median shoulder to manage traffic during incidents. The Flex Route alternative met the purpose of and need for the project goals better than the other alternatives. The alternatives included in the US-23 improvements EA were a No Build, Transportation System Management (TSM), Ramp Metering, ATM with HOV and ATM (which was later branded as the Flex Route). In 2014, MDOT initiated the National Environmental Policy Act Environmental Assessment (EA) process to explore five different alternatives to address transportation infrastructure condition needs and directional peak hour traffic congestion of the US‐23 corridor. The feasibility study identified the additional general purpose lane alternative as the preferred alternative however, due to its lack of economic feasibility and the public’s scrutiny and lack of acceptance for additional capacity, a corridor widening alternative was not a feasible option. In 2009, MDOT completed the US-23 Corridor Feasibility Study which analyzed both traditional and non-traditional improvements such as local system/operational improvements, transit service options, bus bypass shoulders, additional general-purpose lanes, additional High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and additional High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes. TSMO PLANNING, STRATEGIES, AND DEPLOYMENT Using the Flex Route’s lane control gantry system, MDOT can dynamically manage recurrent and non-recurrent congestion through technology and a perfect combination of ATM strategies, including dynamic lane control and shoulder use, variable speed advisories and queue warning. The project included construction of road, bridge, and interchange operational improvements including Active Traffic Management (ATM) strategies for the US-23 corridor to address daily recurring and non-recurring traffic, incident management, and overall motorist safety. Opened to traffic in December of 2017, the US-23 Flex Route is nine miles in length from M-14 to M-36 north of Ann Arbor. Due to the state of Michigan’s infrastructure funding challenges and an estimated construction cost of over $185 million to widen the US-23 corridor, MDOT investigated other innovative ways to solve the corridor’s operational and safety problems. However, a long-term solution to adequately address safety, recurring, and non-recurring congestion and incident management was still needed. All short-term solutions for congestion, operations, and incident management were exhausted through the implementation of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and expansion of a Freeway Courtesy Patrol. For over 20 years, a solution to the problems of peak hour directional traffic, incident management and corridor operations and safety eluded the department. In 2017, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) opened its fi rst Flex Route along US-23 in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. The Flex Route improved system reliability and planning time during the peak hour by 56% southbound in the morning and 27% northbound in the evening. ![]() Along with the Flex Route system, MDOT incorporated other safety innovations and multi-modal opportunities into the project.MDOT developed specialized training for Flex Route Operators as well as eleven Quick Reference Guides.Overview IN THIS CASE STUDY YOU WILL LEARN: ![]()
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