Autonomous Vehicle Corridor Will Link Downtown Detroit, Ann Arbor

DETROIT, MI — The state of Michigan and Cavnue, a subsidiary of Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, have partnered to create a first-of-its-kind connected and autonomous vehicle corridor designed to improve transportation for Southeast Michigan communities by closing long-standing gaps in access to transit and transportation across the region, the state announced Thursday.

The first phase of the project will test technology and explore the viability of a more than 40-mile driverless vehicle corridor between Downtown Detroit and Ann Arbor.

“The action we’re taking today is good for our families, our businesses, and our economy as a whole," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a news release. "Here in Michigan, the state that put the world on wheels, we are taking the initial steps to build the infrastructure to help us test and deploy the cars of the future.

“As we rebuild our roads to ensure every Michigander can drive to work and drop their kids at school safely, we will also continue working to build smart infrastructure to help prepare us for the roads of tomorrow. In Michigan, where the health of our workers and our economy are directly tied to the health of our auto industry, we will continue this innovative work to secure our state’s position as the automotive capital of the world.”

Cavnue will work with the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) and industry and local project partners throughout Phase One of the effort, which is expected to last about two years.

Phase One

The vision for the corridor is intended to create lanes that are purpose built to accelerate and enhance the full potential of CAVs and move people, Cavnue and the state said in a news release. To achieve this, Cavnue will work with regional partners to plan the roadway.

The project envisions connecting Detroit and Ann Arbor along with key communities and destinations along Michigan Avenue and Interstate 94 in Wayne County and Washtenaw County 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.

The project will link key destinations including the University of Michigan, Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Michigan Central Station, according to the release.

During the feasibility analysis in Phase One, work will focus on technology testing and roadway design. Subsequent construction and implementation would be part of future phases of the project, to be determined following the initial 24-month period.

“This project, and the decision by Cavnue and Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners to invest here, continues to reinforce that the future of mobility will be designed and built in Detroit and Southeast Michigan,” Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement.

Thursday's announcement took place in front of Michigan Central Station, which Ford purchased in 2018. The station will be the centerpiece of the innovation district, where new mobility solutions will be created and tested on smart infrastructure, including the Michigan Mobility Corridor.

“My vision for Michigan Central is to create an open mobility innovation district that solves tomorrow’s transportation challenges and improves mobility access for everyone,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “Building out a connected corridor cements Michigan as a leader in creating a more connected, autonomous and electrified future. We thank the state for recognizing the community and economic benefits and the importance of creating smart infrastructure across southeast Michigan.”

New Corridor Could Help Solve Transportation Issues

Officials said the corridor could be a step toward solving current transportation issues that stem from human error.

According to the Michigan State Police, there have been almost 10,000 fatal automobile crashes in Michigan in the last decade. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states 94 percent of crashes are attributed to human error.

“As the anatomy of vehicles continues to shift toward autonomous driving and electrification, Michigan has an opportunity to not only drive this evolution in the production of vehicles, but also in the very roads they drive on,” said Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer of the State of Michigan. “This groundbreaking project reinforces Michigan’s current position as a global leader in mobility innovation, and it also keeps us moving forward on a path to more equitable, safe and environmentally conscious transportation in the state.”