2023 SMART Grant (V2X Data Exchange OEM Integration)
PennDOT, with support from the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) grant program, is developing a Curve Speed Warning (CSW) system to enhance roadway safety across the state. This innovative project uses Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology to deliver timely, advisory speed alerts to drivers as they approach hazardous curves. The system is designed to help drivers make informed decisions, reducing the risk of speed-related crashes. The project will be implemented in two stages, starting with a foundation of static warnings and later evolving to include real-time, dynamic alerts.
The CSW system is a networked, cloud-based solution that avoids the need for extensive roadside infrastructure. The project's architecture has three main components: the V2X Data Exchange, a Project Backend System, and an In-Vehicle System/Personal Information Device (PID). The V2X Data Exchange, managed by PennDOT, aggregates data on roadway geometry and advisory speeds. The Project Backend System, which emulates third-party and OEM platforms, receives this data and sends relevant messages to the vehicles. The in-vehicle system, a tablet for this project, processes these messages and presents visual and/or auditory alerts to the driver if their speed exceeds the recommended threshold.
In Stage 1, the system will be deployed at 20 high-crash curves across Pennsylvania and will provide static advisory speed alerts based on historical data and roadway geometry. This initial phase will serve as a proof of concept for the technology. In Stage 2, if awarded, the system will be expanded to include other hazardous curves throughout the state and will be enhanced to provide dynamic alerts that factor in real-time conditions such as weather, traffic, and roadway state.
Beyond CSW, this project aims to establish a scalable framework for a variety of future V2X safety applications. This framework could support other alerts like wrong-way driving, work zone warnings, and emergency vehicle alerts. By providing a cost-effective and extensible solution, the project aligns with the SMART grant's vision for connected vehicle technologies and sets the stage for broader safety improvements across Pennsylvania.
2024 SMART Grant (Freight Signal Priority)
PennDOT is launching a Freight Signal Priority (FSP) project to address increasing traffic congestion and air pollution from freight trucks in the state. The system uses real-time GPS data from truck electronic logging devices (ELDs) to request priority at signalized intersections. The project is split into two stages, starting with a pilot deployment in two specific locations and then scaling up to a statewide implementation.
The FSP system works by either extending a green phase at an intersection for 5-7 seconds or by adjusting conflicting phase timings to allow the truck to pass through without stopping. This approach is expected to reduce idling and acceleration events for trucks, which in turn decreases air pollution, specifically diesel particulate matter (DPM) and PM 2.5 emissions, as well as reduce freight-related congestion. The technology is cloud-based, which avoids the need for new hardware on trucks or at traffic signals and is compatible with existing infrastructure and ELDs. This makes it a scalable and cost-effective solution for widespread adoption.
Stage I of the project will focus on two locations: Cameron Street in Harrisburg, which has high air quality risks, and the "Miracle Mile" on Harrisburg Pike in Middlesex, which has heavy freight traffic. These areas were chosen due to a combination of high Annual Average Daily Truck Traffic (AADTT) and existing air quality issues. The project team will work with local trucking and logistics companies to ensure their participation. This phase will also involve developing a decision matrix to identify additional high-priority locations for future expansion.
Stage II, if awarded, will scale the FSP deployment to other high-priority areas across Pennsylvania. The goal is to reduce truck idling and emissions in areas with air quality concerns and alleviate congestion in heavy freight traffic zones. The project is expected to improve travel time reliability and reduce congestion for all vehicles, not just trucks.