Smart devices have become ubiquitous, and now smart highways are emerging worldwide. Countries like China, the UK, the Netherlands, and several U.S. states are implementing these intelligent road systems.
This is enabled by Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, a connectivity platform that allows roadside infrastructure and vehicles to communicate. This enables dynamic adjustments like changing speed limits, opening lanes to ease congestion, and alerting drivers to hazards, construction, or bad weather. Carmakers like Stellantis already use V2X for features like emergency vehicle detection.
Roadside devices and a vehicle's On-Board Unit (OBU) relay data to a central system, which can issue alerts and even assist with autonomous driving. V2X works alongside AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to analyze traffic and optimize flow.
Data shows smart highways improve safety. Studies report reductions in pedestrian-related crashes by up to 97%, fewer collisions with roadside workers, and decreased hard braking. They also boost efficiency, reducing bus travel times, fuel consumption, and traffic delays.
With the smart highway market projected to reach nearly $100 billion by 2030, this technology is set to transform our roadways.