MADISON, Wis. — Madison’s Flex Lane will open Wednesday, making Wisconsin the 18th state in the nation to use the highway’s shoulder as a part-time travel lane.
The lane will use the Beltline highway’s median shoulder and stretches from the I-39/90 interchange to Whitney Way. Wisconsin Department of Transportation officials say it was designed to ease traffic congestion during peak traffic periods, including the morning and afternoon rush hours.
“The Flex Lane is an innovative way to keep people and commerce moving along the Madison Beltline during peak traffic hours,” WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said. “This will improve daily life for commuters, as well as visitors attending major area events. It’s one more way WisDOT is making Wisconsin’s highways safer and more reliable for everyone who uses them.”
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Officials said the Flex Lane will be open and available for use when digital signage above the lane is lit up with a green arrow. WisDOT officials plan to open the lane during peak travel periods, special events and during any incidents that impact traffic.
The signs will show a red “X” when the lane is closed for driving. When closed, the median shoulder should only be used for emergency stops.
WisDOT staff plan to monitor the lane via cameras and sensors that will give traffic operators real-time views and data that officials say will help manage the system.
More information about the Flex Lane is available online.
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