A 22nd-century shift in American infrastructure is underway in the state of Michigan. The three-mile stretch of Interstate 94 that runs between Detroit and Ann Arbor has now been unveiled as the nation’s first smart highway corridor. This highway stretch is tech-enabled and connected, and has been created as per a pilot project by enthusiastic startup, Cavnue. The highway will include roadside sensors, AI-geared data systems, as well as communication technology that will allow for traffic and hazard updates in real time. Futuristic mobility is on offer with this highway upgrade.
Creating smarter roads of the future
Such a smart corridor makes use of technology poles located 200 meters apart. Each technology pole comes equipped with sensors and computer pods, offering advanced communication tools too. Such technology poles work to ensure that any changes on the road can be detected immediately. Such high-resolution cameras can work to detect even the slightest pothole in any stalled vehicles on the highway. Rainstorms are also on the radar of these technology poles.
When a slight disturbance ahead is detected, the data gets processed via machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence. The data is transferred to Michigan’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) and connected vehicles as well. The feedback loop is instantaneous, allowing drivers to become aware of any hazards up ahead on the road. The ultimate aim is also to ensure better traffic flow.
The idea is not to provide vehicle drivers with insight into what lies ahead on the road, but also to indicate what is beyond the line of sight.
Why is Michigan the chosen state for this smart highway?
Michigan is the state chosen for the first smart highway. Michigan is also home to the first concrete highway. Hence, it makes sense why Cavnue chose this state for their pilot project. Furthermore, according to the CEO of Cavnue, CEO Tyler Duvall, mentioned that more than 75% of the automotive industry’s research and development has been conducted in this state.
It makes sense that the 40-mile Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Corridor will soon extend to the stretch from Detroit to Ann Arbor. This is not only a highway that will encourage better commuting, but one that will become vital for tests from automakers who wish to grow the autonomous vehicle industry.
Overall, a smart highway will ensure that the highway infrastructure is well-maintained by alerting road officials to any obstacles on the road. By having immediate incident responses, overall traffic will be reduced, too. While the State of Washington is saying goodbye to speeding on highways, this project could change possibilities on highways for good.
Smarter highways: Better travel in the future
Michigan’s smart highway is a mere stepping stone. Cavnue aims to carry out similar infrastructure projects in Texas. Cavnue is also looking towards the Port of Savannah, which is the busiest cargo terminal in the country. Cavnue is set on adapting infrastructure and highways to new driving needs.
The implications of such forward-thinking initiatives cannot be downplayed either. Smarter highways could mean smoother traffic flow and far fewer accidents. Drivers can also get from place to place much quickly. The core focus behind Cavnue’s initiative is that half of all the vehicles will be fully automated by the early 2030s.
Many hurdles lie ahead, including long-term funding concerns, but this pilot project offers mere insight into what future highways could look like. AI-powered transportation highways may very well be the pioneering project that redefines how Americans travel, paving the way towards obtaining new possibilities on American roads. Now we are not only focused on Sci-Fi transport that everyone was looking for, but we are also focused on Sci-Fi highways that everyone will be looking forward to.
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