A world-first transport corridor for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles is being built between the technology innovation city of Ann Arbor and Detroit.

The American State’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer (pictured) says the plan is to improve transport for communities in the region, closing long-standing gaps in access to transit.

The project will create lanes that are purpose-built to accelerate and enhance the full potential of CAVs and move people. Transport futurology firm Cavnue will work with regional partners innovate physical, digital, coordination, and operational infrastructure to “help increase the safety, efficiency, resilience and operations of roadways, and improve the mobility experience for users by enabling a faster and more coordinated dedicated autonomous mobility corridor”.

The project will connect Detroit and Ann Arbor along with key communities and destinations along Michigan Avenue and Interstate 94 “with an innovative infrastructure solution that allows for a mix of connected and autonomous vehicles, traditional transit vehicles, shared mobility, and freight and personal vehicles.” It will build on existing investments made by the state of Michigan and local communities in smart infrastructure and transit

During the feasibility analysis in Phase One, work will focus on technology testing and roadway design, and exploring different financing models with an aim toward determining project viability from both a technology and business perspective. Subsequent construction and implementation would be part of future phases of the project, to be determined following the initial 24-month period.

Cavnue will work with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunityand industry and local project partners.