Skip to main content

FDOT partners with Florida Poly to develop transportation test facility

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida Polytechnic University are to partner in a new transportation technology testing facility, SunTrax, to create a high-tech hub for the research, development and testing of emerging transportation technologies related to tolling, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and automated and connected vehicles. The initial phase of the project will focus on the construction of a toll testing facility expected to offer local and potentially national a
September 29, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
The 4503 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and 8507 Florida Polytechnic University are to partner in a new transportation technology testing facility, SunTrax, to create a high-tech hub for the research, development and testing of emerging transportation technologies  related to tolling, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and automated and connected vehicles.

The initial phase of the project will focus on the construction of a toll testing facility expected to offer local and potentially national and international certification for tolling technologies. The construction of the 2.25 mile oval track will be designed to support high speed testing of toll technologies, with multiple lanes and parallel tolled express lanes similar to those being constructed on many current highway widening projects throughout the state.

This phase of construction will also include structures and other facilities to support toll systems testing and development, including the hardware and software utilised on tolled facilities.

Around 200 acres infield of the track will be developed next in partnership with Florida Poly and is expected to become a hub for automated and connected vehicle testing, allowing the University to offer its students unique opportunities to participate in the research, development and testing of these technologies.

The facility will also include learning laboratory, a simulated city centre, suburban and rural roadways, interconnected signalised intersections, interchange ramps, roundabouts and various types of pavement, equipped to perform research, development and testing for data and security, vehicle safety and equipment certification.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Next Generation 911, updating the US 911 emergency system
    February 1, 2012
    Continuing developments in telecommunications and public expectation have left the US's legacy, analogue 911 emergency call system trailing. Linda D. Dodge, Public Safety Program Manager for the ITS programme in USDOT's Research and Innovative Technology Administration, the sponsor of the Next Generation 911 initiative, writes about efforts towards updating
  • Multi-modal transport system key to liveable city development
    June 20, 2012
    Malaysia’s Economic Transformation Programme aims to transform Kuala Lumpur into one of the world’s most liveable cities. Mohd Nur Kamal, CEO of SPAD, Malaysia’s Land Transport Commission, explains how a world class multi-modal transport system will be key to reaching that goal Superficially, Kuala Lumpur, or KL as it is commonly known, is the model of a vibrant, modern, cosmopolitan city to equal any in the world. The Petronas Twin Towers, an iconic global symbol of Malaysia, are surrounded by stunningly
  • Funding agreed for reconstruction of Fort Worth I-35W
    September 20, 2013
    A significant milestone in the redevelopment and expansion of Interstate 35W in Fort Worth, one of the most critical and most-congested corridors in the North Texas region and in the country has been achieved by NTE Mobility Partners Segments 3 LLC (NTEMP3). They have reached financial agreement on Segment 3A of the North Tarrant Express (NTE), paving the way for the reconstruction and expansion of the interstate. The project is being financed through a unique combination of public and private funds: US$
  • AI is creating road maintenance savings
    July 30, 2021
    Artificial intelligence is starting to create savings for hard-pressed local authorities when it comes to road maintenance. David Crawford reviews recent advances in cost and performance control