Bystanders are being credited with potentially saving the life of a Gregory woman after a car crash Monday in Brighton Township.
State Police from the Brighton Post say the 68-year-old woman, driving a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, was t-boned on the driver's side by a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer just before noon as she exited a parking lot onto Old US-23, north of westbound Spencer Road. A fire then started in the Santa Feâs passenger compartment. Bystanders to the crash were then able to remove both the Gregory woman as well as the driver of the Mountaineer, a 51-year-old White Lake woman.
Both women were taken to the hospital in stable condition. Although roads may have been wet at the time of the crash, State Police say the Gregory woman will be cited for failure to stop. (JK)
Bystanders Pull Driver From Burning Vehicle After CrashBystanders Pull Driver From Burning Vehicle After Crash
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Crane Falls On Genoa Township HouseCrane Falls On Genoa Township House
Crews worked for hours to upright a crane that fell on a home while doing tree removal work in Genoa Township Monday.
The Brighton Area Fire Department responded around 3pm to a home on Sunrise Road, in the Sunrise Park neighborhood off Grand River near Lake Chemung. Crews arrived to find a 100-foot crane that fell and damaged a house. There were no injuries reported. Fire Chief Mike OâBrian tells WHMI they worked to remove the boom on the crane and then right side the truck.
A family of four was displaced for the evening and multiple power lines were down in the area, causing outages in the neighborhood. (JM)
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Infertility Workshop Uses Art As TherapyInfertility Workshop Uses Art As Therapy
Individuals struggling with the difficulties of infertility were able to explore avenues of expression and coping at a local event.
The ART of Infertility held its workshop at the Brighton District Library Monday evening, offering a safe space for conversation and creating. Elizabeth Walker, founder of the national organization, delved into the world of art after receiving her own diagnosis of infertility in 2009. Walker shared her work with the group, then followed with an activity to allow for each personâs own artistic expression.
Participants placed items in small glass containers to create air plant terrariums. Walker feels the exercise is therapeutic as it allows a living piece to come to fruition when other things in life arenât materializing. The activity also allowed group members to place their focus elsewhere, discuss and share if they felt comfortable doing so, or just be in an atmosphere of understanding and support.
For those dealing with infertility, miscarriages, infant loss, or pregnancy loss, Walker suggests finding an outlet to direct emotion. Walker says as people experiencing infertility explore their options, life can become busy with things like doctorâs appointments or health care hurdles. She feels many do not set aside a time and place to process the emotions that come along with the diagnosis, hence the workshops.
Walker says in her journey, she has been surprised by how many people and different demographics are affected by infertility, as well as challenges stemming from health care. On a final note, Walker says there is a community of support and encourages anyone in need to reach out for help. (DK)
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Hospitals Now Affected By Oakland County Water Main BreakHospitals Now Affected By Oakland County Water Main Break
Two hospitals are canceling elective surgeries and procedures due to a water emergency following a water main break in Oakland County.
Providence Park Hospital in Novi says ambulances are being rerouted away from the hospital and some patients are being transferred to Providence Hospital in Southfield. Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital says it has no water service and its clinics are closed for the day. Bloomfield Hills Schools have canceled classes, while Novi Public Schools officials are asking students to attend with bottled water.
The break Monday night in Farmington Hills prompted a boil water advisory for several communities in the area. The affected communities include parts or all of Bloomfield Township, Commerce Township, Farmington Hills, Keego Harbor, Oakland Township, Orchard Lake, Novi, Novi Township, Rochester Hills, Wixom, West Bloomfield Township and Walled Lake. The Great Lakes Water Authority is working to repair the break and says it's hoping have the water main back in operation this week. The authority says the advisory could be in effect until Thursday or Friday. (AP)
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CDC Test Confirms Livingston Case Was Not MeaslesCDC Test Confirms Livingston Case Was Not Measles
Health officials say that previous concern about a potential measles outbreak is no longer warranted.
The Livingston, Oakland and Washtenaw County health departments announced today that lab test results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were negative for the measles case announced on Oct. 13th in a Livingston County resident. Those who visited the locations previously released are no longer considered at risk for measles. Dianne McCormick, health officer for the Livingston County Health Department, said that it was of âan abundance of cautionâ that local health departments issued the precaution based on available information and their responsibility to protect public health. She added that they are âgrateful for the cooperation of the impacted businesses and organizations.â
While initial lab results from both Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and a commercial lab were positive, and the individual had symptoms consistent with measles, a third more specific lab test was conducted at the CDC in Atlanta and resulted in the negative measles diagnosis. Health officials in all three counties continue to advise local residents to recognize the importance of measles vaccination, particularly as measles cases increase throughout the United States.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can spread rapidly. If exposed, people who have not been vaccinated or who have not previously had measles are likely to develop the disease. Youâll find additional details below. (JK)
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Brighton Council Discusses Possibility Of Headlee OverrideBrighton Council Discusses Possibility Of Headlee Override
The Brighton City Council is working on ways to increase revenues in order to meet the increasing costs of government.
At a study session preceding the regular meeting last week, City Manager Nate Geinzer discussed with council the challenges the city faces in maintaining a healthy fund balance while continuing to perform the services residents expect. Council looked at potential new revenue sources, which, by law, are very limited to a municipality. Plante Moran Partner Martin Olejnik says that new revenue sources for the city are pretty much limited to a Headlee override.
A Headlee override would have to go before the voters for approval. Brighton is heavily dependent on property taxes, with 72% of its revenues coming from residential, commercial and industrial taxes. The current tax levy in the city is about 15.8 mills and although the city charter authorizes a levy of up to 20 mills, the city is right at the Headlee limit, meaning any increase would have to go to the voters. Such a step would be necessary because Headlee limits a tax increase to 5% or the rate of inflation â whichever is lower. In the city of Brighton, one mill equals $420,000 in revenue, so a 1-mill override would provide the city with about $1.3 million over a 3-year period.
City Manager Nate Geinzer says the primary reason the city is having discussions on a possible Headlee override is the poor condition of most city streets. But he says there are other needs, including putting more resources into maintaining existing city facilities and replacing aging equipment. Geinzer stresses that discussions are preliminary at this juncture and no decisions have been made on a Headlee override request or any other proposal. Although other revenue sources have been explored, Geinzer says only a Headlee override would provide the sustainable funding the city needs over the long term. Geinzer says no decision has been made on whether a Headlee override will be pursued, nor when such a request would be on the ballot. (TT)
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Local Police Agencies Hosting Drug Take Back Events SaturdayLocal Police Agencies Hosting Drug Take Back Events Saturday
A number of local police agencies are taking part in another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this weekend.
Local agencies are partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration to provide a venue for citizens to dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs. The drop off service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked. Drugs can be dropped off from 10am to 2pm this Saturday at a variety of area agencies including the Brighton City Police Department on South Third Street, the Michigan State Police Brighton Post off Buno Road and the Fenton Police Department on Leroy Street. However no liquids, inhalers, patches, or syringes will be accepted at the sites.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is held twice a year. During the one-day effort in April, MSP posts collected 597 pounds of prescription drugs. State Police say that studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Further, disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can pose safety and health hazards. A complete list of locations and other information is available through the link below. (JK)
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Demonstration Planned Against Speaker At Republican Party FundraiserDemonstration Planned Against Speaker At Republican Party Fundraiser
A peaceful demonstration is planned against a controversial guest speaker at a local Republican Party fundraiser.
Indivisible Livingston will be outside Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Genoa Township this Thursday evening, from 5:30 to 9:30pm, to demonstrate against former Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke. Clarke is the keynote speaker for this yearâs Livingston County Republican Partyâs Reagan Day Dinner. A strong supporter of President Donald Trump, Clarke resigned from his position abruptly in August after a tenure plagued by controversy and numerous lawsuits being filed alleging abuse and rape in the Milwaukee County Jail. He has since accepted a position in the super PAC, America First Action.
Protest organizer Kasey Helton said that Clarke has a history of being pro-incarceration, pro-mass deportation, and had allowed inhumane treatment of the mentally ill and pregnant inmates while he was sheriff. Indivisible Livingston is hoping to send a message to Republican leaders that Clarkeâs ideology and stances on law enforcement, racial justice, and immigration issues do not mirror those of the community and are not welcome. (MK)
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Sheriff's Office Advises Of Phone Scams In Livingston County Sheriff's Office Advises Of Phone Scams In Livingston County
The public is being advised of a telephone based fraud scheme recently attempted in the area.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office advises that an individual is calling area residents using a phone number which appears to be local and claims to be a Deputy with the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office. The caller claims the local resident has a warrant for their arrest and requests they purchase a Green Dot Money Pack to âwireâ him bond money. The caller threatens officers will come arrest the resident if they do not send the funds promptly.
The most recent scammer is said to be calling from 517-234-0488 and claims to be Deputy Michael Scott. Authorities say this is a scam and anyone receiving such a call should simply hang up, adding no legitimate government agency will ever request someone to use a money wire service to send them funds.
The Sheriffâs Office says several people received the calls on Tuesday but they were not aware of anyone who has fallen victim by sending funds. However, they encourage anyone with vulnerable friends, neighbors or relatives who may be more susceptible to these types of crimes to teach them never to wire money to someone they do not know. (JM)
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New Hudson Man Convicted In 1991 MurderNew Hudson Man Convicted In 1991 Murder
A New Hudson man has been convicted in a 1991 murder case.
Midland County Prosecuting Attorney J. Dee Brooks, Midland County Sheriff Scott Stephenson and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Tuesday the conviction of 52-year-old Michael Todd McIntyre of New Hudson. He was found guilty by a Midland County jury of First Degree Murder for the deadly 1991 attack of his ex-girlfriendâs mother, Diane Ross, of Lee Township.
In August of 1991, Diane Ross, a 43-year-old double amputee, was aggressively beaten by a male intruder in her home and died several hours later from her injuries. The victimâs daughter had recently broken off a relationship with McIntyre around that time. Rossâ grandson, who was just 5 years-old then, was present at the time of the murder and sought help for his grandmother following the incident.
The case went unsolved for 25 years, but in 2014 Michiganâs Office of Attorney General was asked to join the investigation with the Midland County Sheriffâs Office after new evidence was revealed by investigators. Authorities say the physical evidence pointed toward McIntyre, who will face a mandatory term of life in prison without the possibility of parole when he is sentenced December 14th. (JK)
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Road Status Change in Subdivision Project Could Be Incentive For BuyersRoad Status Change in Subdivision Project Could Be Incentive For Buyers
Developers of a proposed project in Brighton Township have made a change that they believe will be an incentive to potential buyers.
An agreement was approved earlier this year to construct 78 homes on the corner of Old US-23 and Hyne Road as part of the Deerfield Preserve and Shoppes project. Construction plans were submitted in June, but listed the roads within the condominium sector as private. Developers recently decided changing the roads from private to public would be an incentive because it opens another avenue for financing road repair. Township Manager Brian Vick says this will allow the subdivisionâs residents to undertake a Special Assessment District, or SAD, if they so choose.
Vick says the Livingston County Road Commission is responsible for public roads, but their funds are currently stretched so thin, theyâre unable to do asphalt repairs on public roads in subdivisions. With an SAD, unit owners in the Deerfield Preserve could fund road repairs and replacement themselves.
The townshipâs Board of Trustees first reviewed the request to amend the projectâs Master Deed and approve it with public roads in August, but voted 4-3 against it. Wil-Pro Development Company Executive Member Marshall Blau wrote the board, saying he was âsurprised and disappointedâ. He says they did not explain their reasoning and suggested they were influenced by other items on that meetingâs agenda that discussed financing road repairs.
The board took another look at the request last week and voted 6 to 1 to approve it. Trustee Mike Slatonâs vote was counted as being against approval because he said his vote could be taken either way during the roll call. (DK)
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Howell Township Residents Speak Out Against Gun RangeHowell Township Residents Speak Out Against Gun Range
Plans to build a shooting range for law enforcement training have hit a major roadblock in Howell Township.
The planning commission held a public hearing Tuesday night to hear comments for residents about a proposed text amendment that would allow shooting ranges to be a permitted use in Agricultural Residential Land (AR) Zoning. The applicant, Mike Paige, owns Oakland Tactical in Hartland and is trying to buy 300 acres off Burkhart Road for a range to be used for the training of first responders. Nearly 50 people turned out for the hearing in near unanimous disapproval.
Noise pollution was on many minds as several residents spoke about there already being some gunfire in the area and that a shooting range would exponentially multiply it. Stray bullets were also a worry to many residents. Other concerns that reappeared up were about the effects the range would have on property values, and what the lead from bullets on the ground would do to water quality. Paige claimed the range would be 100% suppressed fire to lower noise, have more than adequate buffer on all sides for safety, and have targets built over clay to protect the ground from lead.
Commissioner Pete Manwiller said there is a lot to consider, but theyâd have to be deaf not to hear the resounding consensus of the public. Matthew Counts agreed, saying this was one of the few incidents where theyâve seen so much in-unison feedback from the community. Mark Freude said they are obligated to listen to every proposal, but they also take their citizenâs opinions seriously, and in this case it is pretty obviously against the amendment. A motion was made to postpone the decision to amend until next month, but it failed 3-2. Chairman Andrew Sloan was against it altogether, wanting to protect to character of the land and believing it would open too big of a door for change. He said heâs proud of the AR zoning district and is against redefining it. If the amendment were to go through, it would allow shooting ranges on all 130,000 acres of AR zoning. The commission made a second motion to recommend denying approval of the amendment to the township board, which passed 5-0.
Paige said he was trying to be transparent and was disappointed in the decision and the process. He said that if someone else bought property like that, that they could take a 100 of their friends out there shooting guns and no one could really say anything about it. Paige said he wasnât able to give a full presentation of what theyâre planning to do with the area and thus he thinks the decision was âkind of biased.â He said he will continue pursuing this dream in other ways, possibly by a proposed zoning change. Image courtesy of Mike Tipton. (MK)
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County Sheriff's Office's Trunk-Or-Treat Event Friday County Sheriff's Office's Trunk-Or-Treat Event Friday
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office will host its first annual Halloween trunk-or-treat event Friday.
Families, children and the community at large are invited to attend the free event, which will take place outside of the sheriffâs office at 150 South Highlander Way from to 6 to 8pm Friday. Participating agencies include the police and fire departments in Green Oak, Hamburg, Fowlerville, Howell and Brighton Cities, as well as the Hartland Fire Department. Also present will be Michigan State Police, Livingston County Emergency Management, EMS, and Central Dispatch. All will be passing out candy and public safety vehicles will be parked on site.
Deputy Ray Marino is coordinating the event. He is one of three deputies assigned to the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office Community Outreach Program. The goal is to make the Office more approachable, connect with the community to understand what they expect, help solve problems and generally, open up lines of communication. They work with youth, the schools and existing school resource officers to help solve problems at a much lower level.
Marino tells WHMI the recognize itâs a busy weekend but are hoping for a good turnout, adding Fridayâs trunk or treat event is also a good opportunity to interact and open up dialogue with local first responders, who care a lot about the community and want to give back.
In addition to candy, cider and doughnuts, Marino says it offers a good opportunity for children in more rural areas to have some fun and trick-or-treat. He says thereâs supposed to be decent weather and no rain - adding if all goes well, theyâre hoping to make it an annual event. (JM)
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Livingston 911 Honored For Work During I-96 PileupLivingston 911 Honored For Work During I-96 Pileup
While confusion reigned during a major freeway crash, local dispatchers have been honored for their work handling the situation.
Livingston County Central Dispatch was recently named the Michigan Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials 2017 Team of the Year. The award was given during the APCO Awards ceremony held in Frankenmuth earlier this month. The team was cited for their efforts on December 8th of 2016 when a sudden snow squall caused a 53-car pileup on I-96 near Fowlerville. 911 Director Chad Chewning says staff on duty that day displayed âan impressive amount of dedication, teamwork, knowledge, and efficiency handling an extremely large-scale event, in addition to almost double the normal call volume of a typical day.â
Chewning said that with the multitude of departments and responders from both in-county and out-of-county, it might very well have been the largest incident that has been handled in Livingston County Central Dispatchâs history. Along with fielding calls for the pileup and dispatching responders to the scene, Chewning says the team also continued to handle many other high-priority calls over the course of 14 hours including additional injury accidents, domestic issues, and medical emergencies. Chewning added that the staff, which he called the âunsung heroes of the public safety world,â went above and beyond, making sure to attend to all of the patients, callers, and responders involved. (JK)
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Lane Closures Coming On I-96 At Latson Road For Pavement Patching Lane Closures Coming On I-96 At Latson Road For Pavement Patching
More pavement patching is scheduled on I-96 in the Howell area this week.
The Michigan Department of Transportation advises there will be a single lane closure Thursday on westbound I-96 at Latson Road for pavement patching. The closure will be place between 6am and 3pm. Then on Saturday, there will be a double lane closure in same location on westbound I-96 from 2am to 10am.
Finally, M-DOT advises there will also be a single lane closure starting at 10am Saturday, lasting until noon on Sunday. (JM)
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Livingston County Veterans Treatment Court Hosts Graduation CeremonyLivingston County Veterans Treatment Court Hosts Graduation Ceremony
Servicemen who found themselves in some type of trouble with the law graduated from Livingston County Veterans Treatment Court today.
The pledge of allegiance and a rendition of the star spangled banner started out the ceremony, which featured several speakers who said while everyoneâs situation might be different; they are not alone in their struggles. Graduating servicemen were presented with certificates and coins by 53rd District Court Judge Carol Sue Reader, who presides over the program. The ceremony also featured a color guard and recognized the Veterans Court team and mentors.
Former NFL Quarterback Eric Hipple has devoted his life to building awareness and breaking down stigmas surrounding depressive illnesses. He serves as an outreach specialist for the Eisenhower Centerâs âAfter the Impactâ program, which is a neuro-cognitive behavioral residential treatment facility serving military Veterans and former NFL players. Hipple said transitions are tough no matter what age and he personally struggled with the loss of his 15-year-old son, saying the trauma that followed put him down a self-destructive path and he initially failed programs.
Other speakers included Josh Parish, a Veteran who serves as the Southeast Michigan Regional Coordinator for the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency; Joe Riker, a Community Liaison and Veteran who does outreach for Congressman Mike Bishop. Both shared their personal stories and past struggles, as well as how they overcame them.
Veterans in the current program observed during the ceremony, which was emotional at times - detailing the change from being seen as a hero to being in an orange jump suit. The program provides participants with the resources they need to succeed to overcome some of the many issues Veterans deal with upon returning home. Blame, guilt and self-loathing were common themes for those in the program. Many shared stories of dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and having their lives fall apart upon returning home, leading to substance abuse, marital and housing problems. Many take things day by day, sometimes one hour at a time and have initial doubts about the program such as graduate Joey H., a United States Marine. When he first got in the program, didnât think he could do it, telling the audience he used to beat himself up a lot but through hard work with mentors, other vets and outreach programs, he can keep moving forward.
Many who end up in the program have some type of mental health or substance abuse issues according to Kevin Nagel, who serves as the public defender for the Veterans Court. He tells WHMI itâs amazing when those in the program finally start to get it and take responsibility because when people first come in, there tends to be minimization or deflection and blaming others.
Judge Reader was visibly proud of the program but said she doesnât do it for the recognition. She said a large team and mentors are all involved in making the program a success. When making a decision about someone in the program, Judge Reader says the entire team is involved and after consulting everyone, she comes up with a plan designed to make their lives better. Even if they donât think so initially, she feels they realize it at the end. Some of the graduates were unable to make the ceremony and Judge Reader commented that as many learned through the program, there are consequences for actions. Thus, the graduates who were present will be getting their court fines and costs waived, while the others will not.
A special presentation was held at the end of the ceremony in which plaques were presented to Judge Reader by the American Legion Riders for her work and the program. (JM)
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Accident On I-96 West Near D-19 Closes Two Lanes Of TrafficAccident On I-96 West Near D-19 Closes Two Lanes Of Traffic
An East Lansing man has been transported to the hospital as a precaution following an accident on westbound I-96 Wednesday afternoon.
Two lanes of traffic were shut down for nearly 45 minutes Wednesday after a 2016 Freightliner semi was rear ended by a 2017 Jeep Wrangler west I-96 west of D-19 in Howell. Livingston County Sheriff Mike Murphy reported that the semi driver, a 53 year old male from Charlotte, Michigan, was slowing down for traffic with his flashers on when he was struck from behind by the Wrangler, driven by a 24 year old male from East Lansing. Murphy said the driver of the Wrangler had his cruise control on and said he didnât see the truck in front of him slowing down. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts and neither drugs nor alcohol were involved. Murphy said the East Lansing man was transported to Sparrow Hospital as a precaution. (Photo- Carolyn Arking)(MK)
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Whitmore Lake Public Schools Have Favorable Fund Balance, Audit Whitmore Lake Public Schools Have Favorable Fund Balance, Audit
The Whitmore Lake Public Schools district is faring well financially according to a recent audit report.
The Board of Education met Monday and received an unmodified opinion for its 2016/2017 fiscal year audit. Lansing-based Maner Costerisan performed the audit and a representative commented that âAdding over $1,000,000 to fund balance without increases in enrollment is almost unheard of.â In addition to the positive audit, officials say the district ended the 2016/2017 school year with a 9.65% fund balance - a stark difference from ending the 2014/2015 school year with less than 1% and far above the stateâs minimum requirement of a 5% fund balance. Superintendent Tom DeKeyser said coming together as a community, district, and board along with creative revenue creation got them where they are today. He says goals for the future are to invest resources into programming and instruction for students.
DeKeyser also informed the board that he is in the process of pursuing the creation of a âVision 2020â strategic plan. Thus, heâll be reaching out to community members over the next few months for their feedback on the best places to invest in the future of Whitmore Lake Public Schools over the next three years and beyond. (JM)
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Drivers Cautioned As Deer Are On The MoveDrivers Cautioned As Deer Are On The Move
With bow season in full swing, and firearm deer season just a few weeks away, the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office is warning drivers about deer populations on the move.
In 2016 there were a reported 46,870 accidents involving vehicles and deer in Michigan. Of those, 1,240 caused injuries and 14 people lost their lives. The Sheriffâs Office is warning residents now that fall is upon us and hunters are in the woods that there is a heightened chance of car-deer accidents occurring. Sheriff Mike Murphy has some tips to keep people safe and reduce damage to their vehicles in the unfortunate instance of a collision. He said that while itâs a natural reaction to swerve when you see a deer in your path, the better course of action is to just hit it. Murphy said the sheriffâs office sees too many times that people crash into a tree when trying to get out of the way of a deer and that youâre likely to do less damage by just hitting the animal.
Murphy also encouraged drivers to drive slower at dusk at dawn, when most accidents occur. Donât out outdrive your headlights and look beyond their beams for the eyes of deer that may be near the path of your vehicle. Flashing your lights as well as blowing your horn are also effective methods of scaring the deer away. Deer travel together, so if you see one, chances are there are others nearby. Murphy concludes by reminding people to heed deer crossing signs, and if you do hit one, make sure you report it to your local police or the sheriffâs office. (MK)
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US-23 Flex Route Project In Home StretchUS-23 Flex Route Project In Home Stretch
The US-23 Flex Route project is almost done but its overall success will depend on motorists according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
The new Flex Route that runs between M-36 and Ann Arbor should be fully functional and open to traffic by mid-November. Michigan's first Flex Route will use a lane control system comprised of overhead signs, cameras, and electronic message boards mounted on large gantries. The system will manage freeway traffic more efficiently during peak hours by opening and closing the median shoulder to traffic.
M-DOT spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI theyâre still in the testing phase and itâs going well but motorists will be key to the new Flex Route system. Arend says theyâre definitely in the home stretch of the project and need to get the word out about how the new system will operate once itâs turned on and help motorists learn now how to navigate it.
By installing the Flex Route along US-23 - meaning upgrading the shoulders to be used at key times of the day such as the morning or afternoon rush and during major traffic generating events â Arend says they can open up that shoulder and use it as a lane with the overhead signage that has been installed. She says itâs a more innovative, cheaper solution than actually adding a third lane in each direction along that corridor because doing so would require a 12-foot lane plus a shoulder, thus increasing the cost and footprint. She says the Flex Route solution allows M-DOT to simply upgrade the shoulder and only address congestion and safety when they need to along the corridor during times of increased traffic, adding that congestion is not 24-7 but rather at key times of the day.
Testing the new system and overhead electronic signs over live traffic along the corridor will continue and Arend says it will be beneficial for motorists and others who are curious to start learning the Flex Route system now and how it will operate before it officially opens. A brief video and other information related to the project is available through the link. (JM)
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