The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has allocated $60 million in grants through the “Saving Lives with Connectivity: Accelerating V2X Deployment” program.
This initiative aims to promote the development and implementation of connected and interoperable vehicle technologies, known as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X). The grants will support projects in Arizona, Texas, and Utah, establishing them as national models for V2X deployment.
Potential to Save Lives
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg emphasized the potential of V2X technology to reduce roadway fatalities and improve safety. By enabling vehicles to communicate with each other and with roadside infrastructure, V2X systems can provide drivers with timely warnings and alerts, potentially preventing accidents.
The “Saving Lives with Connectivity” initiative focuses on leveraging V2X technology to enhance road safety, mobility, and efficiency. This technology allows vehicles and wireless devices to exchange information with traffic devices and roadside infrastructure, improving traffic flow and reducing congestion.
Accelerating V2X Deployment Nationwide
Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt highlighted the significance of these grants in promoting the widespread adoption of V2X technology across the nation. The funding will help accelerate the development and deployment of this life-saving technology, making roads safer for everyone.
The grants will support projects that prioritize the deployment of V2X technologies while ensuring secure and seamless communication between various devices and platforms. This focus on interoperability is crucial for the successful implementation of V2X systems on a national scale.
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology Dr. Robert C. Hampshire expressed pride in the collaborative efforts between federal, state, local, and tribal government agencies in coordinating these technologies to improve safety.
Grant Recipients and Project Details
The Maricopa County DOT in Arizona will receive $19.6 million to lead a large-scale V2X deployment, connecting 750 physical and virtual roadside units to approximately 400 vehicle onboard units. The project will focus on applications such as Emergency Vehicle Preemption, Vulnerable Road User detection, Transit Signal Priority, and Freight Signal Priority.
The Texas A&M Transportation Institute will receive $19.2 million to deploy V2X technology in the Greater Houston area, College Station, and the corridors connecting these two cities. This project aims to enhance safety, efficiency, and mobility for vulnerable road users, emergency responders, transit operators, construction workers, and motorists.
The Utah DOT will receive $20 million to deploy V2X technology across three states – Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. The project will cover a diverse range of population densities, demographics, and terrains, focusing on applications related to safety, mobility, and the environment.