University of Michigan and Ann Arbor Launch $12.7M Smart Transport Project

Ann Arbor, Michigan, is set to enhance its transportation infrastructure through a significant partnership with the University of Michigan. A new project valued at $12.7 million will introduce advanced transportation technology, specifically implementing “cellular vehicle-to-everything” or C-V2X technology across an additional 51 locations throughout the city.

The Ann Arbor City Council approved the collaboration on September 2, 2024, with a unanimous vote of 10-0. According to Cynthia Redinger, a city transportation engineer, this initiative aims to bolster transportation safety and improve network efficiency. The C-V2X technology facilitates communication between vehicles and infrastructure, enhancing overall traffic management.

Project Details and Funding

This initiative is part of the university’s ongoing commitment to research in advanced transportation technology, particularly through its Transportation Research Institute, known as UMTRI. Council Member Jenn Cornell expressed enthusiasm about Ann Arbor’s reputation as a hub for innovation and technology. “Ann Arbor has long been a living lab for startups and emerging technologies,” she noted, emphasizing the city’s role in advancing transportation solutions.

The project has secured substantial funding, including $9.85 million from federal grants under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Highway Research and Development Program, complemented by $2.8 million from project partners. The city’s investment totals $147,425, with the federal grant providing reimbursement of $121,285.

Redinger outlined that the city will play a vital role, participating in project meetings, offering design input, supporting installation and configuration of traffic signals, and ensuring effective data transmission. The project is projected to run from 2024 to 2027, with the goal of creating a safer and more efficient transport environment.

Expanding Smart Infrastructure

This project builds on previous efforts initiated by the university in the North Campus area, which began in 2012. During that phase, approximately 2,800 residents and local drivers participated in a vehicle-to-vehicle communication experiment, making it one of the largest smart-car deployments to date. Volunteers’ vehicles were equipped with wireless communication devices, designed to alert drivers to potential safety threats, thereby aiming to prevent accidents.

The expansion will incorporate additional infrastructure, including pedestrian detection systems at crosswalks and devices for curve speed warnings and ice detection. The latest phase, referred to as the Ann Arbor Connected Environment 2.0, aims to set a benchmark for the commercial deployment of C-V2X technology, establishing a trusted framework for delivering certified infrastructure intelligence to all road users.

As intersections are retrofitted with this technology, each equipped site will adhere to the Institute of Transportation Engineers guidelines for connected intersection design. The project’s website indicates that methods will be developed to maintain these intersections at a certified level.

The initiative reflects a commitment to understanding the goals and expectations of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The project team is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and respectful partnership with USDOT, ensuring that the objectives of the initiative align closely with the broader goals of transportation innovation and safety.

In summary, the partnership between Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan signifies a forward-thinking approach to transportation, paving the way for a more connected and efficient urban environment.