Dedicated lanes

Japan is redefining the concept of highways. No longer just lanes for cars, but a parallel corridor dedicated to freight transportation. This system aims to channel goods onto an autonomous route, without interfering with traditional traffic. It’s not just a simple conveyor belt, but an automated system. Imagine a tunnel-like structure, separate from the lanes, where autonomous vehicles, similar to boxes on wheels, transport the goods. These containers will move at about 30 km/h, loaded and unloaded by robots. The idea came about to address the shortage of truck drivers and the increase in demand. The project includes the construction of three parallel lanes along the highway between Tokyo and Osaka, operating 24/7. The goal is to move up to 140,000 tons of goods daily, reducing emissions. The conveyor belt highway fits into a context of electric mobility and autonomous driving. Testing will begin in 2027, with the goal of completing the project within ten years. In the meantime, who knows if the package I ordered last week will arrive...

Stefano Ravizza
NP January 2025