Delivering resources to save time, lives, and money

Connected Vehicle Infostructure Plan

Overview

The potential deployment of a connected vehicle system will represent new challenges to State DOT’s in terms of delivering an Infostructure which can facilitate these systems and allow for the collection and processing of the vast amount of potential data. Given the potential Notice of Regulatory Intent (NRI) to be issued by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) in late 2013, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is looking at what steps the organization can begin taking to prepare for this significant need.

If NHTSA announces an NRI in late 2013 (the current anticipated decision date), then connected vehicle technologies could be factory installed on vehicles as soon as the 2019 model year. Given the rate of change in connected vehicle research and equipment standards, as well as the timeframe to build fleet penetration, any premature deployment of RSEs would be high-risk and carry a high likelihood of required update or replacement at the time of full national deployment.

To this extent, it is recommended that MDOT strategically deploy communications infrastructure which can serve immediate department needs while preparing for the future potential of connected vehicles. Certain elements of the future roadside infrastructure are more easily phased in over time in anticipation of possible regulation, and can yield public benefit even without a connected vehicle deployment. For example, MDOT can adopt the following near-term deployment steps while meeting prioritization strategies for preparing for a connected vehicle deployment:

  • Backhaul Communications – Investment in the arterial network will be critical for backhaul of the connected vehicle data, and arterial traffic signal data to the traffic operations center prior to a connected vehicle deployment.

  • Advanced Signal Controllers – Controller replacement, either strategically, or as part of programmed signal modernization projects should include IP-ready ports and NTCIP compliance for a full scale Connected Vehicle deployment while still achieving integration to new or existing Advance Traveler Management Systems (ATMS).
  • Conduit Installation - Institutionalization of the installation of conduit as part of the upgrade of arterial roadways, much like the department has been successful in doing for a number of metropolitan area freeways.
  • Data Management Planning – Development of detailed requirements and Concept of Operations in combination with or within a Statewide Data Warehouse Strategic Plan to establish the framework for an enterprise data warehouse integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Asset Management and ITS datasets.

The level of penetration of On Board Equipment (OBE) in the vehicle fleet will also be an important factor for the prioritization strategy for MDOT. This penetration includes deployment of aftermarket devices in a lowturnover market such State of Michigan fleet vehicles, and deployment of OBE equipment in high-turnover market such as leased vehicles

Operations Area of Practice

    Connected Vehicles
    Strategic Planning

Organizational Capability Element

    Project Development
    Planning
    Vehicle Systems/Connected Vehicles

Publishing Organization

State DOTs
Other Research Organizations
Private Sector Entities

Document Downloads

Issue Date