Connected Vehicle

Pilot project to construct roadway for connected and autonomous vehicle

Date: August 8, 2023. — The construction has officially started on a groundbreaking pilot project aimed at creating what is being touted as the ‘world’s most sophisticated roadway.’ The Wayne County-based visionary initiative has drawn interest from engineers and policymakers due to its innovative approach and impact. It promises to reshape the future of transportation.

In order to accommodate CAV a 3-mile section of the left lane of westbound I-94 between Haggerty and Rawsonville roads will be fitted with digital infrastructure, including an underground electrical conduit. I-94’s shoulder will be closed for construction until the beginning of September.

State transportation officials plan to reveal a 2020 pilot project to boost accessibility, safety, and ease congestion effectively. The technology company Cavnue that creates and combines technologies for roads is collaborating with MDOT.

A joint venture of top engineering firms, tech providers, and local authorities aims to demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. The design includes innovative safety, traffic, and environmental enhancements, aiming to optimize overall efficiency and minimize ecological footprint.

The company claims that CAV lanes will offer a number of advantages. The concept involves shuttles for transporting people between locations and enabling autonomous vehicles to communicate in lanes, enhancing speed and safety amid mixed traffic.

State transportation officials note no state funding needed yet; project’s construction expected to rely on private funding exclusively. MDOT hopes that by doing this, other parts of the state will adopt comparable technologies. There are still six phases after the trial program, which go from Ann Arbor to Detroit.
Taking form, the project will inspire global urban planners, engineers, and policymakers, becoming a beacon of creativity and guidance. The Wayne County pilot project is set to test innovative concepts that might reshape global transportation networks in the future.

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