The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today announced that vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) technology is being tested on a section of M-97 (Groesbeck Highway) in Macomb County. This transit signal priority demonstration was unveiled today to industry experts attending the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA) Annual Meeting being held at Cobo Center.
“Collaboration is vital, and Michigan again is where the technologies of tomorrow are being tested today,” said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. “This testing is the first step in making public transit safer and more efficient, and these first steps are being taken right here in southeast Michigan.”
MDOT and the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) have equipped six intersections of Groesbeck Highway, between Masonic Boulevard and Metropolitan Parkway, with dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) devices. These devices transmit information from the signal to inside the bus, via an onboard unit, to inform the driver of signal timing changes and potential red-light violations.
“One of SMART’s goals is to look for innovative ways to improve our transit service, especially along our busiest and most congested corridors,” said John C. Hertel, general manager of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART). “To be a part of the Michigan’s first public transit pilot with connected vehicle technology is a great opportunity.”
While this pilot is being tested on Groesbeck Highway, a plan to install permanent deployments is already underway along dedicated transit lines on M-3 (Gratiot Avenue) and M-53 (Van Dyke Avenue) in Macomb County. Results from test runs will be used to further enhance the system of DSRC and onboard units.
“We are proud to team up with MDOT, SMART, and other partners on this project to show the nation that Macomb County is a leader in smart and connected roadways,” said County Executive Mark A. Hackel.
MDOT partnered with SMART, Danlaw Inc., and Macomb County on this pilot to leverage the necessary equipment and industry expertise.
“Danlaw is proud to supply this on-vehicle DSRC equipment for this very important project,” said Andrew Donaldson, program manager at Danlaw. “This joint effort between MDOT, Macomb County, SMART, and all the suppliers shows how this technology can directly improve the lives of residents by enabling on-time public transportation.”
Visit MDOT’s Mi Drive traffic information website: www.michigan.gov/drive
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Computer monitor shows vehicle to infrastructure software being tested on SMART bus on M-97. (MDOT Photo)
Screen image from vehicle to infrastructure software being tested on SMART bus on M-97.
Bus and traffic signal interaction is highlighted. (MDOT Photo)
