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| MDOT announces plans to accelerate connected vehicle technology research, testing and development in Michigan
Contact:
Rob Morosi 248-483-5127
Agency:
Transportation
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November 18, 2008 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today announced plans to deploy advanced technologies along the Telegraph Road corridor in Oakland County to accelerate the research and development of next-generation vehicle safety and mobility applications. The plan includes activating between 20 and 30 wireless Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) radios to broadcast basic traffic signal information.
Researchers and developers working in southeast Michigan will use the traffic signal information to develop connected vehicle technologies that will prevent crashes, improve mobility and fuel efficiency in Michigan and beyond. MDOT envisions future enhancements that would permit the development of more advanced applications along Telegraph Road in Oakland County.
MDOT also announced a partnership with the Michigan International Speedway (MIS) in Jackson County to use and market the MIS racetrack to agencies that manufacture and develop connected vehicle technologies. The partnership will give automakers and after-market providers the ability to test and develop connected vehicle systems in an open environment.
"The connected vehicle concept," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle, "gives us the unique opportunity to shape the future of transportation by improving safety and mobility on heavily traveled highways and permitting countless other applications that can help us all spend more time with our families and less time on the road."
Steudle said the department is focused on developing "smart car, smart road" technology that will bring important research, development and future deployment efforts to the state, creating jobs for Michigan residents while improving the quality of their daily commutes.
"These two initiatives," said Greg Krueger, MDOT Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) program manager, "are unique in that they afford development opportunities to companies of all sizes, from major automakers to new ventures. When we first discussed this concept at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show earlier this month, we were overwhelmed by the response from leading after-market companies who want to help accelerate the deployment of connected vehicle technology."
Protect Michigan families: Where Workers Present Drive 45! - A message from MDOT and Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition
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