PROJECT STORY
The challenge
To provide a policy, program and legal framework to encourage the safe and secure deployment of connected and autonomous (CAV) technologies for Louisiana’s transportation network.
Louisiana department of transportation and development
Planning for connected and autonomous vehicles in Louisiana
The solution
Arcadis mobility experts are advising the Louisiana Department of Transportation on a CAV strategy and roadmap to integrate CAV technology into its existing infrastructure.
The impact
By taking a proactive approach to smart mobility, Louisiana will lead the way in maximizing CAV’s potential for enhancing traveler safety and network efficiency across the state.
14
prioritized CAV projects/actions
An agency starts its smart mobility journey
One of the most promising elements for improving safety is giving vehicles the ability to “talk” to each other and the traffic network at large using vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. The ability to alert drivers to traffic hazards could innovate roadway safety the ways airbags and seatbelts have.
As the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) tracked the evolution of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV), leaders recognized their potential for streamlining traffic flow and enhancing traffic safety. The agency had a vision to implement Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) architecture and CAV technology to give every motorist – commuters, freight delivery from ports, interstate drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians and travelers – safer, smoother trips throughout the state.
However, implementing CAV technology and integrating it with existing infrastructure would require a comprehensive CAV strategy. The agency is teaming with our mobility experts to bring its vision to life.
Leading a CAV strategic plan
Our mobility experts assisted LADOTD in identifying high-priority CAV technologies and early start projects for deployment. The process of prioritizing CAV technologies began with the review of current Louisiana ITS infrastructure and architecture, federal and international CAV initiatives, as well as the broader CAV industry developments to gather pertinent information and assess current conditions for CAV deployment.
To further develop LADOTD’s CAV vision, our specialists facilitated workshops to help LADOTD define high-level goals for the CAV program and the desired implementation strategies for which CAV projects should be considered in the future. The planning activities aligned LADOTD’s needs with emerging solutions to provide direction for the CAV strategic implementation plan.
The detailed gathering of critical inputs from LADOTD and evaluation of CAV applicability to Louisiana allowed the Arcadis team to develop a comprehensive CAV strategic plan. The plan outlines specific actions LADOTD can follow to begin its smart mobility journey and prepare for the CAV future.
Establishing 14 prioritized CAV projects/actions
LADOTD leaders hope the CAV strategic plan will maximize CAV’s potential for enhancing traveler safety and mobility in Louisiana. A total of 14 CAV projects and actions were documented to be completed by LADOTD within the next 5 years. Each of the CAV technology projects/actions included the following detailed information:
- Project/Action title: Describes the name, location and technology required for the project.
- Project goals: Outlines project goals that are in alignment with the overall strategic plan goals.
- Project team: Defines members of the lead group, stakeholders and project support team.
- Key performance indicators: Outlines metrics that should be used to measure project development and success.
- Focus area: Identifies targeted activities to maximize the benefits of the project.
- Recommended steps: Provides project timeframe and actionable steps that should be taken within the next 5 years.
These project details were reviewed and carefully deliberated for the purpose of developing consensus among the CAV Strategic Plan team members. With LADOTD taking a proactive approach to smart mobility, Louisiana drivers might be leading the way into the future of transportation.
