Construction has begun in the US on the first smart motorway that will warn drivers of dangers and traffic jams

Construction has begun in the state of Michigan on the first smart motorway in the United States. A three-mile stretch between Ann Arbor and Detroit is being fitted with special sensors and communication equipment to track vehicles and provide drivers with up-to-date warnings. There are plans to expand the project to 40 miles in the future.

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Alphabet-backed startup Cavnue is undertaking a project that could become a model for other highways across the country. "Smart" highways are designed to inform drivers and the Michigan Department of Transportation of potential problems on the road, such as obstacles, accidents or traffic jams. The project is expected to help reduce traffic congestion, prevent accidents and improve emergency response times.

Pillars with sensors and cameras are installed along the road, monitoring each section and analysing the images using AI and machine learning algorithms to identify dangerous driving conditions. Cavnue's technology can connect with any vehicle that has connectivity features. In the UK, similar projects began back in 2014 and now the US is looking to catch up.

Source: AXIOS