Transurban, one of the world’s largest toll-road operators, is partnering with Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), Virginia Department of Transport and major car makers to test road infrastructure that could support connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs).
The trial is part of a US$7.5m (£6m) grant awarded by the US Department of Transportation to advance technologies and better enable roads to ‘speak’ to CAVs.
As part of the Automated Driving System Demonstration Grant, Transurban will provide 95 express lanes as a demonstration site for approximately three on-road CAV trials.
The 95 express lanes are tolled reversible lanes operating alongside free lanes on the interstate, which guarantee at least 45km/h (28mph).
The lanes are free to use for vehicles with three or more passengers, busses or motorcyclists.
Transurban will also collaborate with VTTI and Crash Avoidance Metrics Partners to identify the safety and operational needs of CAVs on roads.
The company will help to develop infrastructure technology to support safe, reliable and efficient operations and it will replicate successful technologies onto adjacent public Virginia highways like the 95 travel lanes for advanced trials.
The planning and deployment of technology is expected to take three years with on-road trials set for 2022.
