Rendering depicting what the Flex Lane may look like. From left to right: Car driving down lane with double yellow lines. Signage above shows the Flex Lane sign with a green arrow to show it's open. Three lanes with white dotted lanes have cars traveling on them with two interstate signs above. The interstate signs are as follows: Route 7 North and 202 East towards Brookfield and New Milford, 2 Miles, Exit Only. Second sign, I-84 East towards Waterbury.

How would a Flex Lane work?

The Flex Lane is an innovative, yet proven solution to improve traffic flow and safety by repurposing the median shoulder into a temporary travel lane during the busiest times. The Flex Lane is designed to be constructed quickly and efficiently on the existing roadway, which means fewer disruptions and faster improvements to traffic flow. While used successfully in several other states including Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio, this would be the first use of a Flex Lane in Connecticut.

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The Flex Lane would only be opened when I-84 is congested with slow-moving traffic. Signs over the lane would indicate when a lane is open (green arrow), closed (red X), or closing soon (yellow X). The lane would typically only be operational during weekday morning and afternoon rush hours in the direction where traffic is heaviest. Keeping the Flex Lane closed during the less busy times would provide a wider shoulder for other critical functions, such as maintenance, emergency response, or vehicle breakdowns. 

When in operation, the Flex Lane would function like a left-hand lane on a divided, limited-access highway and would be open to all standard passenger vehicles. However, trucks, commercially registered vehicles, motor buses, vehicles with trailers, and school buses are not permitted to use the Flex Lane. By temporarily repurposing the inside shoulder into a travel lane, the Flex Lane would improve traffic flow and reliability, putting time back in the hands of I-84 travelers while preserving the overall efficiency and safety of I-84.