On the Road to Smart Cities: Preparing U.S. Cities for the Deployment of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs)

With today's automotive industry shifting towards Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs), infrastructure within the urban transportation systems need to be addressed to ensure optimal operations of CAVs in U.S. cities. This project sought to provide technology investment recommendations for new and modified infrastructure to city officials and staff to support U.S. cities as they prepare for the deployment of CAVs. Analysis and recommendations were based on two case studies of major intersections in the cities of Miami, Florida, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. These case studies showcased different types of roadways and intersection users. Using peer-reviewed research on city infrastructure, policies and regulations, available sensor technologies, and vehicle operations, alternative roadway and IT system specifications were designed with the intention of reducing vehicular accidents, improving traffic flow, improving sensor functionality, and ensuring accessibility to intersection users. Possible design elements included Modified Lanes, Mobility Hubs, Digital Transportation Management System (DTMS), and Improved Lighting System. Prototyping, subject matter expert interviews, and peer-reviewed research were used to determine the validity of the components in the designs. The feedback from the testing phase was analyzed to guide iterations of the analytical prototypes to ensure that the design follows regulations and policies, while also focusing on safety, traffic flow, and accessibility.