Skip to main content

Transurban and partners host automated and connected vehicle tests

Transurban recently partnered with Virginia Tech Transportation Institute on their automated and connected vehicle technology road test on the 95 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia. The ten-mile test, part of the Virginia Automated Corridors and Virginia Connected Corridors initiatives, was conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and Transurban, which operates the Express Lanes. The test took place when the 95 Express Lanes were closed to th
October 20, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
600 Transurban recently partnered with 5593 Virginia Tech Transportation Institute on their automated and connected vehicle technology road test on the 95 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia.

The ten-mile test, part of the Virginia Automated Corridors and Virginia Connected Corridors initiatives, was conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the 1747 Virginia Department of Transportation, and Transurban, which operates the Express Lanes.

The test took place when the 95 Express Lanes were closed to the traffic as part of the Lanes’ regular mid-day reversal, providing the partners with a safe, closed environment to demonstrate the technology.

The demonstration featured a Level 3 automated vehicle performing specific driving actions such as lane changes and automated braking in response to scenarios including a simulated work zone and an approaching law enforcement vehicle. In addition, a connected vehicle equipped with both dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) and cellular technology responded to driving scenarios along the test roadway.

These technologies have potential applications in managed lanes facilitates like the 495 and 95 Express Lanes in Virginia to improve roadway efficiency and safety. Connected-vehicle communications can complement tools like dynamic pricing and lane-use management signals as facility operators look to improve the driver experience and maintain travel speeds. Similarly, the technology can improve the safety of workers and travellers during maintenance activities or repairs.

“As a long-term partner to Virginia, operating one of the most high tech roads in the U.S., we are proud to host today's test. Transurban sees these technologies as vital to improving safety and efficiency on the Virginia Express Lanes and roadways across the America,” said Transurban North America Group general manager Jennifer Aument.

Related Content

  • February 15, 2013
    TransCore to design and build I-66 active traffic management system
    One of the most congested interstates in Virginia, US, is to get an Active Traffic Management (ATM) system. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has selected TransCore, a division of Roper Industries, to design and build its I-66 ATM system on northern Virginia’s main highway into the District of Columbia. The US$34 million contract is 90 percent federally funded and will support thirty-four miles of highway from the District of Columbia to Gainesville US-29 in Prince William County. The projec
  • May 18, 2012
    Get connected
    Delegates at National Harbor this week have opportunity to gain first hand experience of a national connected vehicle program Vehicles of the test fleet of an extensive research program are being put through their paces each day of this year’s ITS America Annual Meeting. With the key objective of showing how vehicles from different manufacturers can communicate and understand each other, technology of the US DOT Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Program is being demonstrated at National Harbor.
  • January 25, 2012
    Connected vehicle technology the solution to safety?
    A series of 'driver clinics' is under way across five states, as vehicle manufacturers and the US Government pin their hopes on connected vehicles becoming the next big advance in road safety. Pete Goldin reports. What would a car say if it could talk? Its first words might be: "Here I am". Many vehicles are communicating that very message to each other right now. Admittedly, this is in controlled environments of US Department of Transportation (USDoT) tests, but within the next few years 'connected vehicle
  • August 6, 2021
    Making transportation systems safer and more sustainable with connectivity
    Connectivity will make transportation systems safer and more sustainable as Anne-Lise Thieblemont of Qualcomm outlines