ITS: Iowa DOT to take stretch of I-380 into self-driving future

Oct. 11, 2016

The agency will partner with mapping service Here on the 30-mile stretch

The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) will partner with mapping venture Here, the mapping business, to transform a nearly 30-mile stretch of I-380 into a corridor adaptable for self-driving cars and trucks.

Here will use its open location platform, including real-time and predictive traffic maps, to help IDOT develop ways for self-driving vehicles to better communicate with the infrastructure and other vehicles.

I-380 between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids will be retrofitted to better handle the expected onslaught of automated and connected vehicles, notably freight vehicles. Through a network of cameras and sensors attached to or embedded in permanent fixtures (e.g., traffic signs and streetlights), experts believe self-driving cars can communicate correctly with their surroundings and other vehicles.

“Iowa is a producer state,” said Iowa DOT Director Paul Trombino III in a statement. “Many of our goods leave our borders, making our transportation infrastructure the lifeblood of our economy. We are focused on leveraging advanced technology to create a more efficient and safe road network for intermodal mobility and increased economic development opportunities.”

Image source: imore.com

Sponsored Recommendations

The Science Behind Sustainable Concrete Sealing Solutions

Extend the lifespan and durability of any concrete. PoreShield is a USDA BioPreferred product and is approved for residential, commercial, and industrial use. It works great above...

Champion Flame Shield® Phenolic Conduit Guide

Learn how Champion Flame Shield® Provides a Safe Solution in Fire Sensitive Applications

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

See how fiberglass conduit stacks up to the competition in crucial areas like weight, corrosion resistance and installation cost.

Proven Concrete Protection That’s Safe & Sustainable

Real-life DOT field tests and university researchers have found that PoreShieldTM lasts for 10+ years and extends the life of concrete.