With the emergence of connected and automated vehicle (CAV) telecommunications, TSMO strategies fit right in by making the best use of opportunities to coordinate freight movement and modal infrastructure in highly efficient ways. Some of TTI’s state-of- the-art research capabilities include:
CAV Technology
Leading CAV technology efforts with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) as part of the I-35 Connected Work Zone, a $2 million project to focus on improving freight movement along the construction corridor by providing long-haul trucks a steady stream of traveler information through on-board devices capable of receiving work zone infrastructure data including lane-closure locations, delay lengths and projected delays up to a week in advance.
As part of this, being one of the first research agencies to develop freight TSMO traveler information systems by transmitting work zone infrastructure messages to in-cab devices.
Connected Freight Corridors
Supporting TxDOT’s Connected Freight Corridors, a collaborative effort by TxDOT with public and private stakeholders to deploy connected vehicle technologies to more than 1,000 commercial vehicles to improve traveler information, asset condition management and system performance. This effort started with focusing on trucks to provide more timely and accurate information about traffic and roadway conditions that affect safety and mobility, as well as smarter traffic intersections around distribution centers to improve truck interaction with signals and reduce truck idling time. This project is Texas’ largest deployment of connected vehicle technology aimed at significantly reducing the number and severity of crashes, reducing congestion on major Interstates that serve the nation and reducing fuel consumption of freight trucks. TxDOT and its partners prioritized 12 connected vehicle applications that will help meet their goals and objective, including truck parking. Early investigations for the project included on-board electronic truck systems. These systems monitor truck systems, provide drivers with critical assistance, and document driver’s hours-of-service activity. These on-board systems could receive messages regarding available truck parking spaces through vehicle to infrastructure communications.
Specifically, TTI is implementing a truck parking demonstration project on Interstate 45 north of the Houston urban area. Utilizing TxDOT safety rest areas located in both directions, the research team is installing multiple detection systems at each rest area to determine the ability of the equipment to accurately detect truck parking and determine available truck parking spaces. Information related to available parking spaces will be disseminated to truck drivers via portable message signs.
Maryland Department of Transportation Support
Providing leadership and guidance to Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) through workshops and best practice recommendations on freight TSMO strategies that helped MDOT determine needs for freight traveler information systems and truck parking information systems. TTI continues to support the implementation of these strategies and the facilitation of freight research and stakeholder coordination as part of these projects.