Future congestion of highway traffic could be a problem by the year 2026 for the state of Michigan, a research group in Washington, D.C. said.

The Road Information Program, or TRIP — a nonprofit transportation research group that does studies on highway transportation issues — released a report on the interstate system in each of the 50 states at the end of June, said Frank Moretti, director of policy and research for TRIP.

The report on the Michigan Interstate system found that highways have been saving Michigan residents $27.6 billion annually — or about $2,728 per person — in safety benefits, saved time, reduced fuel and lower consumer costs, according to a TRIP press release.

"Our interstate system has pretty much paved the way for the economic vitality of America — where it has gone and is continuing to head toward, over the past 50 years," said Mike Nystrom, vice president of government and public relations for the Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association.

In the report, TRIP found that Michigan residents save $74 in reduced health care costs, $178 in food, $50 in apparel, $718 in housing and $397 in transportation annually because of the Interstate Highway System.

Some say by creating a better transportation infrastructure, Michigan's economy could prosper.

"(The government and legislative leaders) need to make a decision that we're going to create the best transportation infrastructure in the nation that will invite new businesses to expand into Michigan or to relocate into Michigan and will invite current businesses in our state to expand and stay in our state," Nystrom said.

The report also found that travel on Michigan's interstate highways might increase by 40 percent by the year 2026 and suggests that Michigan must find a way to deal with the predicted increase of traffic.

"With tremendous growth and anticipated (congestion) in Michigan, the state is going to need to add additional lanes," Moretti said.

Bill Shreck, director of communications for the Michigan Department of Transportation, or MDOT, said that it will take time for MDOT to figure out what should be done to prevent congestion.

"We're always looking at ways to get things done," he said. "We'll probably have a better feeling in another year or so to see how people react to higher gas prices and how that affects gas tax revenue. With higher energy costs, we need to see how people will adjust their habits to these new expenses."

Shreck said it's important to maintain Michigan's Interstate Highway System and increase capacity on roadways to keep traffic moving.

He also said MDOT is planning to increase the capacity of Michigan's highways.