Monroe Review

State Rep. Will Bruck’s plan to enhance traffic flow and safety on Michigan’s expressways is moving forward as it received unanimous approval from the House Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure Committee. Bruck, R-Erie, is the driving force behind legislation that aims to improve traffic conditions on the state's expressways.

"With unanimous approval from the transportation committee, it’s clear that our plan is gaining traction," stated Rep. Will Bruck. "By making these simple changes, we can minimize congestion, make our expressways safer, and help drivers navigate our expressways with less frustration of gridlock."

The proposed legislation, House Bill 5304, focuses on regulating the usage of lanes by large trucks and tractor-trailers on expressways with three or more lanes. The bill seeks to alleviate congestion by ensuring that vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight do not impede traffic flow by driving in the left-most lane.

According to the plan, trucks would be restricted from using the left lane on a three or more-lane freeway. In situations where a freeway reduces to only two usable lanes due to construction, trucks must use the rightmost lane. Exceptions to this rule would be allowed for specific circumstances like preparing for a left turn, encountering a hazardous situation that necessitates changing lanes for safety, or as indicated in construction zones.

The advancement of House Bill 5304 to the full House for further consideration marks a significant step towards implementing measures to enhance traffic flow and safety on Michigan's expressways.