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in vehicles. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this career is seeing technology that we had a role in improving on production vehicles,” said Jon Hankey, senior associate director for research and development at VTTI. Such research continues today. For example, connected-vehicle technology is tested on the Smart Road prior to deployment in the real world to assess the potential for safety ben efits while minimizing driver distraction and information overload. When combined with its weather-making capabilities, the Smart Road also provides a powerful tool for evaluating visibility. One of the first federal studies to use the Smart Road was the enhanced night visibility project, which was designed to assess alternative light sources ranging from infrared technology to new headlamp designs that enhanced visibility during clear and inclement weather condi tions. The Smart Road also served as the first roadway lighting test bed on which more than 90 percent of lighting configurations found on U.S. highways could be assessed. VDOT continues to use the Smart Road to measure the visibility of pavement-marking materi als during wet weather and at night. The durability of successful pavement-marking materials is also assessed. “We are providing dynamic solutions that consider the factors that impact visibility on our roadways, such as overhead lighting, pavement markings, and the interaction of vehicle lighting with the roadway. Our results have shown the potential to significantly reduce energy usage on roadways by up to 30 percent.We continue to study pavement delineation in the rain and more efficient methods to highlight roadway curvature.”

“Pavements are the single most valuable asset in terms of patrimonial value within our transportation infrastructure.VTTI research and innovations have contributed to making pavement networks safer and more durable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly.We are enhancing the mobility of people and goods and contributing in this way to the economic development of the region, the state, and the nation.”

-- Gerardo Flintsch, director, VTTI Center for Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure

The all-weather testing capabilities offered by the Smart Road have also been essential for pavement friction, splash, spray, and sensor research. Today, different materials, infrastructure, and light sources found on both vehicles and along the roadway are still being tested to improve driver performance and safety. The Smart Road is also used for non-VTTI work. Local law enforce ment personnel have conducted emergency maneuver and crash reconstruction classes on the road. Before being unveiled to the world on CBS in 2009, the blind-drivable dune buggy was tested for months on the Smart Road and at the Virginia International Race way in Danville. Testing was performed as part of the Blind Driver Challenge during which a Virginia Tech-led team partnered with Blacksburg-based TORC Robotics to develop a technology that can convey real-time information about driving conditions to the blind motorist. While the Smart Road continues to receive attention from myriad sectors, other innovative VTTI developments are making equally significant impacts on transportation safety.

-- Ron Gibbons, director, VTTI Center for Infrastructure-Based Safety Systems

photo by LoganWallace

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