Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s US 12/18 Flex Lane


Once notorious for congestion and delays, the Madison Beltline is now a beacon of reliability thanks to the innovative Flex Lane system. Completed in July 2022, this $73 million project eased traffic congestion, ensuring smooth flow during peak morning and afternoon drive times. The Flex Lane operates dynamically, opening and closing based on traffic volumes. This system allows for additional capacity exclusively during peak hours and special events that created high traffic influxes into Madison. Carrying more than 120,000 vehicles per day along a 10-mile segment, the Flex Lane system has reduced travel time by up to 50 percent during heavy traffic events.