Project to build connected and automated vehicle express lane on I-94 between Ann Arbor and Detroit earns key federal approval
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has received the go-ahead from federal officials to expand a “smart highway” project on I-94.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has provided a key approval for the advancement of MDOT’s I-94 Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Corridor project, which involves the repurposing of a general-purpose I-94 lane to a technology-enabled express lane to support automated and connected vehicles.
“This milestone reflects the close collaboration between MDOT, FHWA, and Cavnue to align Michigan as a leader in transportation advancements focused on safety improvements and strengthened mobility,” said MDOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich. “With this federal approval, this innovative project can move forward.”
Last spring, officials kicked off a pilot for the I-94 CAV Corridor project, using the left lane of a three mile stretch of westbound I-94 from Belleville to Rawsonville roads in order to test and evaluate the technology.
Now, following the environmental impact approval from FHWA, MDOT and private sector partner Cavnue are gearing up to expand the smart vehicle lanes project to the 39 miles of I-94 that connect Ann Arbor-Saline Road in Ann Arbor to M-10 in Detroit.
Canvue describes the planned features for the expanded I-94 CAV Corridor:
- Digital infrastructure and physical improvements across the full 39 miles
- Real-time sensing and incident detection systems to improve safety and operations
- New capabilities to support connected and automated vehicle technologies
- Enhanced emergency response and road condition monitoring systems
“This is an exciting moment not only for Cavnue, but for Michigan’s leadership in connected and automated mobility,” said Tyler Duvall, CEO and Co-Founder of Cavnue. “Securing federal environmental approval for full build-out along I-94 reflects years of close collaboration, technical rigor, and community engagement. We are now poised to deliver a safer, smarter, and more resilient highway for everyone.”
You can learn more about the project here.