11/19/13 - A new type of traffic management system will be used in Michigan for the first time as part of a major construction project planned along the US-23 corridor in 2016. The Michigan Department of Transportation is looking to make improvements along US-23 that extend south from the M-36 exit closer to Ann Arbor and along M-14. M-DOT Spokeswoman Kari Arend tells WHMI theyâre looking at using a new kind of traffic management system with a variety of other fixes such as bridge and road improvements, and ramp extensions to help manage peak hour congestions. She says since those are only occurring at certain times, economically it doesnât make sense to add a third full lane on US-23. Arend says anyone who travels that route on a regular basis knows southbound US-23 is congested during the morning but then they start to see the heavier peaks on northbound in the afternoon. She says the new system will allow for the inside median shoulder to be paved on US-23 and then widened slightly, so that the shoulder can be opened up and used like a lane at key times to help move more traffic through. Arend says M-DOT is looking do as much as possible to only disrupt motorists during one or two construction seasons while improving safety and mobility through the corridor. She says M-DOT is currently looking at establishing all of the needed funding for the project and beginning the design stages of all the different aspects but thereâs a lot involved. An open house style meeting has been scheduled on December 12th at the Northfield Township Hall on Main Street to introduce the public to the project and the new traffic management system. It will run from 3:30 until 7pm with formal presentations at 4 and 6pm but Arend says people can show up at their leisure. M-DOT is also in the process of developing a project website and more information will be made available as plans progress and the start of the project nears. (JM)
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