About the research
Connected vehicle technologies hold the potential to produce a number of safety, mobility and environmental benefits. The benefits of connected vehicle technologies are expected to be wide ranging and include reduced crashes, improved mobility and reduced emissions. Local transportation agencies, such as counties and cities can be expected to be affected by the transition to connected vehicle technologies. These agencies can also expect to benefit from connected vehicle technologies, through aspects such as a reduced need to construct roadway infrastructure (fostered by mobility improvements), increased fleet safety (e.g., maintenance vehicles in plowing operations), and other benefits.
However, transitioning highway infrastructure to be ready for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) will ultimately require a significant investment in infrastructure upgrades, new technologies, and power and connectivity. Agencies are already grappling with how and where to invest scarce resources to meet existing needs and addressing CAVs adds an additional burden. As a result, there is a need for local agencies to not only understand what the potential benefits of connected vehicle technologies are, but also how they should be preparing for the transition to such technologies for the infrastructure and fleets that they manage.
This toolbox was developed to provide a summary of information that local agencies should be aware of to prepare for CAVs. The main goal of this toolbox is to assist local agencies in preparing for CAVs in the short term—5 to 10 years. Since local agencies are not generally expected to have the resources to become test beds, this report provides information so that local agencies can leverage ongoing activities and resources to prepare for CAVs.