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Smart border crossings

MDOT is working to improve mobility at shared bidirectional international border crossings. These projects focus on the research and development of multimodal advanced automotive and smart mobility solutions, including safety and operational solutions for the movement of people and goods, and enhanced cross-border cooperation.

Aerial of Blue Water Bridge

Blue Water Bridge International Smart Freight Corridor Project

The Blue Water Bridge International Smart Freight Corridor Project will implement a proof of concept (POC) of a smart corridor for truck-borne goods movement at the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) in Port Huron, Michigan, and the Port Huron Port of Entry (POE). The main goal of the smart corridor is to apply data-centered technologies to enable the unimpeded flow of information among commercial carriers, shipping companies, vehicles, border agencies, and infrastructure operators.

The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) through a Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Program Grant.

Smart Freight Corridor fact sheet
Autonomous platoon on Blue Water Bridge with Tank Automotive Research, Development, and Engineering Center (TARDEC).

International Crossing Deployment Plan

Advanced Automobile and Smart Mobility Safety and Operational International Border Crossing Project

MDOT and Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) continue to collaborate on improved mobility at the five shared bidirectional international border crossings between Michigan and Ontario, including the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge, BWB, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Ambassador Bridge, and the new Gordie Howe International Crossing.

The project vision is to define and implement an international crossing deployment plan that maximizes operations and increases safety while minimizing border wait times, processing complexity, cost and energy consumption.

International Crossing Deployment fact sheet
Bi-national autonomous drive with Continental and Magna cars.
Autonomous platoon with the U.S. Army.