Developing Oregon’s Connected Vehicle Data Portal
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), like many transportation agencies, recognizes that vehicles must be able to communicate and share real-time information to realize the benefits of smart mobility.
One approach to create this communications network is using dedicated short range communications (DSRC) radios. However, this requires a massive investment in infrastructure to outfit roadside devices and vehicles with these radios. Given current funding streams, that investment will take decades to build out the DSRC network and we’ll miss out on the mobility and safety benefits in the meantime.
The Need
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), like many transportation agencies, recognizes that vehicles must be able to communicate and share real-time information to realize the benefits of smart mobility.
One approach to create this communications network is using dedicated short range communications (DSRC) radios. However, this requires a massive investment in infrastructure to outfit roadside devices and vehicles with these radios. Given current funding streams, that investment will take decades to build out the DSRC network and we’ll miss out on the mobility and safety benefits in the meantime.
Our Solution
Fortunately, there is another way to more rapidly roll out connected vehicle applications. The Internet and cellular networks can be used to transmit near real-time roadway condition information to vehicles, which leverages existing infrastructure and means the connected vehicle applications can become widespread over a short period.
ODOT recognized this approach as a means to achieve their desired mobility and safety outcomes, and with the help of DKS Associates, identified ways to leverage this approach. Accordingly, ODOT is upgrading its existing traveler information portal into a centralized Connected Vehicle (CV) Data Portal.
The Outcome
ODOT’s CV Data Portal will broadcast the current status of every traffic signal phase, the real-time speed, active warnings about incidents, special events, work zones, and road closure information. This real-time information can be collected from the roadside, broadcast using the Internet and cellular networks, and displayed for the driver. The centralized Connected Vehicle (CV) Data Portal has the potential to dramatically change how we get around and significantly reduce the number of people killed in automobile crashes.