MDOT pilots smart highway technology in Genesee County

Contact: Anita Richardson, MDOT Office of Communications,

richardsonA@michigan.gov
989-239-1732
Agency: Transportation


May 22, 2014 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is piloting new "smart highway"
technology on I-75 in Genesee County. Traffic sensors were recently installed on southbound I-75
from I-475 south to I-69 to help determine traffic backups on I-75. MDOT will use the sensors, along
with traffic cameras and message boards, to alert motorists to traffic backups. Real-time information
about congestion will be posted on the message boards, as well as information suggesting I-475 as
an alternate route during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
"Smart highways are interactive and automatically adapt to changing traffic situations," said Linda
Burchell, MDOT Davison Transportation Service Center manager. "The travel times and alternate
route info displayed on the electronic message signs should help I-75 motorists avoid lengthy
delays."
In addition to traffic sensors, a portable queue warning system will be used to help motorists save
time. This system moves with construction work and, if traffic begins to back up, will detect the
congestion and display a real-time message on an electronic traffic sign located about 3 miles in
advance of the work zone. After the Memorial Day holiday, messages will be posted for southbound
I-75 motorists in Genesee County suggesting I-475 as an alternate route to avoid delays.
"With limited funding to add new lanes, it is essential that we use new innovations to keep traffic
flowing with the system we currently have," said Burchell. "Fewer backups mean safer highways,
and smart highways help drivers avoid traffic accidents by responding to changing circumstances
before unforeseen events occur."
To keep an eye on traffic flow, planners will rely on a network of cameras, in-road sensors, and
above-road detectors.
"Our goal is to reduce backups, improve traffic flow, decrease delays and help drivers avoid
collisions, said Keith Brown, MDOT engineer. "We will deliver real-time traffic information that
motorists can rely on to get around."
While all lanes will be open on I-75 through Genesee County during the Memorial Day holiday, high
traffic volumes are expected. After the holiday, MDOT will resume work to resurface I-75 from the
Oakland/Genesee county line to the north junction with I-475, including repairs on seven bridges.
Traffic shifts and lane closures will be in effect on I-75 in both directions. To limit the impact on
traffic, work is scheduled to take place at night.
MDOT reminds motorists that choosing an alternate route may require driving additional miles, but
could save you time overall by avoiding expected delays. Motorists are encouraged to use I-475 as
an alternate route to avoid heavy traffic through Genesee County, which is expected to last through
November.
Roadway Work Zone Safety - We're All in This Together.

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