MADISON, Wis. — Since opening six months ago, the Flex Lanes on the Madison Beltline have helped reduce travel times by an average of 45%, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said Friday.
The Flex Lanes, which officially opened on July 13, 2022, allow drivers to use the left shoulder lane during times of congestion to help keep traffic flowing. Overhead signage lets motorists know when the lane is open and when they need to move over due to a crash or disabled vehicle.
READ MORE: ‘Beltline Bob’ shares thoughts on Flex Lane’s first day
“Data is showing what drivers are witnessing firsthand – the Flex Lane is making travel on the Beltline more efficient and reliable,” the agency said in a Facebook post marking the six-month anniversary of the lanes’ opening. “It’s saving drivers time compared to sitting in traffic backups on the Beltline.”
READ MORE: What is a Flex Lane and how do I use it? WisDOT has answers
The Flex Lanes — one in each direction between Whitney Way and Stoughton Road — had been set to open in 2021, but a computer chip shortage for the signs used to alert drivers to the lanes’ statuses delayed the opening.
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