(WWJ) Drivers along I-75 in Oakland County could be traveling in high occupancy vehicle lanes in the next couple weeks.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation establishing the special lanes for an 18-mile stretch of I-75, from 12 Mile in Madison Heights to South Boulevard in Pontiac.
Drivers who have at least one passenger in their car, as well as truck drivers, will be able to use the HOV lanes (also known as carpool lanes) during the morning and afternoon commutes, Monday through Friday. Specifically, the hours are between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials have said the lanes could be in use by the end of the month.
House Bill 4352, sponsored by state Representative Nate Shannon, amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to exempt motorcycles and other vehicles as determined by MDOT from HOV lane restrictions.
"My bill will transform mobility in Michigan by establishing high-occupancy vehicle lanes, and I am honored to see it become law," said state Representative Nate Shannon (D-Sterling Heights), chair of the House Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee. "With these bills, our state not only furthers its efforts toward more efficient mobility and lower carbon emissions, but it also fully leverages federal infrastructure funding for Michigan. I am proud of Michigan's infrastructure progress as we adapt to a greener future, while continuing to repair and rebuild roads and bridges at historic rates."
House Bill 4353, sponsored by state Representative Sharon MacDonell, allows MDOT to designate HOV lanes on newly constructed highway lanes built using federal funding.
"These bills provide the authorization for designating the HOV lanes that have already been built for that purpose in Troy," said state Representative Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy). "I'm proud that the HOV lanes will be an effective tool for reducing traffic and pollution on I-75, where it runs through the heart of my district."
Learn more about the new HOV lanes on I-75 at modernize75.com/HOV.
