Transportation road map drives creation of networked highways

The new RFI will help the DOT advance its effort to develop networked highways, where vehicles communicate with roads through sensor technology. Based on responses, the DOT will formulate requirements for a potential request for proposals.

In December 2007, the DOT issued an RFI to private industry, research organizations and state and local governments. Goals were to compile information about commercially available technology applications designed to fight congestion and improve the safety and performance of our nation’s transportation system. An estimated 100 teams responded to this RFI.

After receiving input and ideas, the DOT will identify technology applications and stakeholders interested in partnering with the agency’s SafeTrip-21 initiative, which is a comprehensive field test of safety and congestion-reducing technologies. SafeTrip-21 officially will be launched at the 2008 Intelligent Transportation Systems World Congress, slated for Nov. 16 to 28 in New York City.

SafeTrip-21 harnesses a variety of information and communications technology to provide drivers with real-time safety warnings, traffic and transit updates and advanced navigational tools. The initiative will incorporate lessons learned in operational tests currently under way in partnership with automakers, equipment suppliers and state and local governments in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, New York and Virginia.

“SafeTrip-21 will further the research and deployment of technologies that can warn drivers in real-time about dangerous and congested conditions, road hazards and other vehicles with enough time to avoid an accident or alter their route,” said Paul Brubaker, administrator of DOT’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration. “SafeTrip-21 is focused on making travel safer and improving the reliability and efficiency of the transportation system for the American public.”