research report

Assessing Roadway Infrastructure for Future Connected and Automated Vehicle Deployment in California

Publication Date

December 1, 2021

Author(s)

Guoyuan Wu, Zhensong Wei, David Oswald, Peng Hao, Matt Barth

Areas of Expertise

Infrastructure Delivery, Operations, & Resilience Intelligent Transportation Systems, Emerging Technologies, & Big Data

Abstract

Roadway infrastructure is key to continued economic growth in California, supporting daily needs for moving both people and goods. In the era of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), there is a strong need for testing the new enabling technology and upgrading current infrastructure to support different types of connectivity and automation. This report summarizes the research team’s efforts to: a) inventory California’s connected and automated vehicle testing facilities and testbeds; b) collaborate with the City of Riverside to upgrade communication capabilities along the Riverside Innovation Corridor and enable both dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) and cellular-based communications; c) develop an innovative connected eco-approach and departure (EAD) application for actuated signalized corridors; and d) conduct field operational tests to assess the costs and benefits from infrastructure upgrades. The research shows that despite relatively slower communication time compared to dedicated short-range communications, cellular-based communications can provide additional benefits to vehicles equipped with eco-driving connected and automated vehicle applications such as eco-approach and departure, due to its greater communication range. Furthermore, broadcasting Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services correction messages is a cost-effective solution to improving positioning accuracy for equipped vehicles.