The Future is Here: Michigan to Launch Nation’s First Smart Highway

Get ready to hit the road of the future...literally. From Ann Arbor to Detroit, Michigan is about to open the nation's first smart highway, and it's about to make your daily commute feel like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Imagine roads that can communicate with your car, helping you to stay safe and on time. Sounds cool, right? Well, it’s happening soon.

Get ready Michigan, your drive is about to get a heck of a lot smarter.

Michigan's First Smart Highway Location

A three-mile stretch of Interstate 94 will be converted into America’s first smart highway. Engadget says the pilot program is between Ann Arbor and Detroit.

For now, it will only be a three-mile stretch but the future plan is to extend the smart highway project to roughly 40 miles. The full project will span from Ann Arbor-Saline Road in Ann Arbor to M-10 in Detroit. The first segment to be constructed (Segment 1a) will cover I-94 between US-23 and Oakwood Boulevard.

What can commuters expect when driving along a smart highway?

Commuters on a smart highway can expect some cool new features. They'll get real-time updates about traffic and accidents, and sensors will help keep them safe by warning them about hazards. Traffic will flow better, reducing jams, and cars will be able to talk to each other to avoid crashes. There will also be charging stations for electric cars and changing speed limits to keep things moving smoothly. Overall, smart highways will make driving safer, faster, and easier.

The plan is to start building the first segment after completing the final design, which follows the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The NEPA process is expected to take about 12 months. Simply put, it's unclear at the moment.

Michigan is leading the way.