DATE: Novmeber 28, 2017
TIME: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION:
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Access Code: 329-291-125
(Note: we are using a web platform so that we can view the NETC website)
State Transportation Agencies Present:
- Ann Scholz, New Hampshire
- Bradley Overturf
- Dale Peabody, Maine
- Deane Vandusen, Maine
- Emily Parkany, Vermont
- Eric Shortell, Connecticut
- Ian Anderson, Vermont
- Jose Lima, Rhode Island
- Michael Sock, Rhode Island
- Nicholas Zavolas, Massachusetts
Others Present:
- Chris Jolly, FHWA
- Eric Jackson, Uconn
- Glenn McRae, NETC
- Hannah Ullman, NETC
- Jacob Leopold, NETC
- Jo Daniel, UNH
Agenda
- 2018 Pooled Fund Update -Maine – Dale PeabodyAll funding commitments are in; FHWA approval letters have been received; Need to start transfer funds to new pooled fund number in first quarter 2018. Dale to send out reminders.
- AV/CV Quick Response Project – Emily ParkanyEmily to circulate to NETC members prior to Dec. 11-12 workshop with I-95 Corridor Group. All input to Emily by noon on November 29th. Nicholas Z to send MA project information out – how they framed their question (See Appendix at the bottom of agenda). NETC project to focus on possible initial six state review of what is happening (being researched) and what are the gaps and opportunities to move ahead.
- New Research Problem Statement Solicitation Process – Glenn McRaeSolicitation has been fielded; everyone should continue to promote
Hot Topics Brainstorm: what might we encourage in submissions:
- AV / CV
- Safety Hardware requirement – new criteria to adopt and implement (MASH)
- Bridge Rail (MASH)
- Use of Drones (NH has its own project; MA has a number of research projects)
- LiDAR surveying methods and applications for efficiency (RI – some new LiDAR applications to compare to conventional methods)
- Electric Vehicle recharging stations – how to include in various highway and other infrastructure to best encourage adoption
- LED lighting – how to measure intensity to schedule replacement efficiently (Virginia Tech (VDOT reports) (Ron Gibbons) has research group on roadway lighting)
- What states are doing to ensure the security of rail systems (Passenger, subway, freight)
- Open Project Review (11-20-2017)
Project # and Title PI, University AC Liaison
Update End Date 06-04: Preventive Maintenance and Timing of Applications Mogawer, UMass Dartmouth C. Franco
PI is working on the poster and fact sheet. Final report edits finalized. Prepping report for distribution. Complete 10-3: Low Temperature and Moisture Susceptibility of RAP Mixtures with Warm Mix Technology Mogawer, UMass Dartmouth A. Scholz
PI is finalizing the report and scheduling a TAC meeting to receive feedback. 5/31/17 13-1: Development of High Early-Strength Concrete for Accelerated Bridge Construction Closure Pour Connections Brena, UMass Amherst MassDOT
No cost extension fully executed between UVM and UMass Amherst. Project ongoing 12/31/2017 (NCE)
13-2: HMA Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS): Low Temperature and Fatigue Performance of Plant-Produced Mixtures Mogawer, UMass Dartmouth A. Scholz
With the decision to move to lab mixes earlier in the year the project has progressed towards completion. Project team has begun their draft final report for review by TAC and final delivery. 12/1/17 13-3: Improved Regionalization of Quality Assurance (QA) Functions Dave, UNH C. Franco
Reminded PI of pending final report. 4/2/17 (NCE) 14-1: Measuring the Effectiveness of Competency Models for Job Specific Professional Development of Engineers & Engineering Technicians Ahmadjian, UMass Amherst D. Peabody
No update on task 3 (CM Framework) completion or task 4 (Pilot study) start. 12/31/17 (NCE) 14-4: Optimizing Future Work Zones in New England for Safety and Mobility Xie, UMASS Lowell
MassDOT
2nd Post Task Report deliver to TAC. Next steps are VR simulation runs to test tool, and prepare the final report. 12/31/2017 (NCE Requested)
15-1: Use of Forested Habitat Adjacent to Highways by Northern Long Ear Bats Foster, UNH D. Peabody
Project team is reviewing GIS road data from states as part of ‘zone of influence’ related tasks. 11/30/18 15-2: Using the New SHRP2 Naturalistic Driving Study Safety Databases to Examine Safety Concerns for Older Drivers Samuel,UMass Amherst D. Peabody
Pending final transfer of data. PI Siby Samuel has accepted another faculty position at a University in Canada and would like to transfer the project to another faculty member, Tracy Zafian. Working with TAC to approve the change, would require Advisory Committee approval as well. 12/31/18 15-3: Moisture Susceptibility Testing for Hot Mix Asphalt Pavements in New England Dave, UNH
D. Peabody
Sample mixture testing continues, no issues/task completions at this time. 7/31/18 15:4 Optimizing Quality Assurance (QA) Processes for Asphalt Pavement Construction in the Northeast TBD A. Scholz
Still pending completion of 13-3 report. Independent implementation of 13-3 work by TAC may suggest this is ready to be re-evaluated. TBD - NETC Fund Balance Update
A. Update (no change)- All previous fund transfers have been completed
- FY2016 Fund Balance Transfers – 0.00
- FY2017 Fund Balance Transfers – Decision deferred, but budgeted by each state
- NETC Unallocated Balance as of 8/21/2017 – $139,278.00
- NETC Coordinator funded through 9/1/2018 and limited funding through 2/15/2019 to complete NETC 15 series
B. Travel Fund Balance Update
State Expenses Obligations Balance CT $ 12,493.37 $ 35,000.00 $ 22,506.63 NH $ 3,689.57 $ 5,000.00 $ 1,310.43 RI $ 17,406.47 $ 30,000.00 $ 12,593.53
- NETC Website – User Functionality Check-In (http://www.newenglandtransportationconsortium.org/)
The website was reviewed page by page to determine what needs to be added, taken down, and what additional functionality might be desirable. Updates are in progress. No major functional updates are required. - Other Business
- December meeting date has been changed. Delete currently scheduled meeting on December 26.
- Change to Tuesday December 19th, 11am-Noon.
- This meeting will be a regular conference call.
- Adjourn
- Appendix
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
(SCOPE OF WORK)
STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR CONNECTED AND AUTOMATED VEHICLES IN MASSACHUSETTS
Principal Investigator
Polichronis Stamatiadis
University of Massachusetts Lowell
One University Ave., Lowell, 01854
978-934-2283
Polichronis_Stamatiadis@uml.edu
Co- Principal Investigators
Nathan H. Gartner
University of Massachusetts Lowell
One University Ave., Lowell, 01854
978-934-2289
Yuanchang Xie
University of Massachusetts Lowell
One University Ave., Lowell, 01854
978-934-2289
and
Danjue Chen
University of Massachusetts Lowell
One University Ave., Lowell, 01854
978-934-2289
Project Champion/Technical Representative
Neil Boudreau,
Highway Division, Traffic & Safety Engineering Section
617-368-9655
E-mail: neil.boudreau@state.ma.us
Date: December 13, 2017
Background
Problem Statement
Automated Vehicle (AV) and Connected Vehicle (CV) technologies have the potential to transform transportation and travel as we know it. Using leading edge technologies — advanced wireless communications, on-board computer processing, advanced vehicle-sensors, GPS navigation, smart infrastructure, and others — these technologies provide the capability to identify threats and hazards on the roadway and communicate this information over wireless networks to drivers and transportation management agencies real time alerts, warnings and traffic conditions. In an automated future, cars will need to be able to communicate not just with their owner but also the surrounding environment, other vehicles and roadway and transportation infrastructure. Knowing when traffic signals are going to change and where traffic is heaviest not only adds to the safety of the vehicle but allows cars to be driven, or drive themselves, more efficiently. If everyone’s mobile devices and vehicle navigation systems were connected, drivers could be warned of potential dangers that exist on the roadways, allowing them to make adjustments to avoid collisions before they even happen. This argument for the synergy between connected vehicle infrastructure and the new driverless paradigm is compelling.
At the core of these technologies is a networked environment supporting delivery of real time information through high speed communication between vehicles (V2V), and between vehicles and infrastructure components (V2I) or hand held devices (V2D), to enable a wide range of real-time safety and mobility applications. Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) – two-way radio communication operating on the 5.9GHz band – is used for the purpose of supporting vehicle to vehicle (V2V) and vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) traffic applications. Connected Vehicle (CV) technology enables the safe, interoperable networked wireless communications among vehicles, the roadway infrastructure and passenger’s personal communications devices.
AV and CV equipped vehicles will be able to provide information on travel time and environmental conditions along major streets and roadways in urban areas as well as along interstate highways across the nation. This information could lead to improved traffic signal controls, ubiquitous traveler information, better transportation plans, and reduced cost for existing transportation data collection methods, among other benefits. Traffic managers will be able to control the flow of traffic more easily with the advanced communications data available and prevent or lessen developing congestion. This could have a significant impact on the environment by helping to cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions.
AV and CV technologies are advancing rapidly and state and local transportation agencies need to prepare appropriate plans to support and accommodate V2V and V2I transportation technologies in their jurisdictions.
Testing
The U.S. federal government is supporting AV and CV technologies research, development, testing, and deployment. The USDOT is collaborating with public and private partners, including state and local governments, vehicle and device manufacturers, and academia, to advance connected vehicle development and implementation.
Significant progress is being made in the testing of AV and CV technologies and applications in real-world situations. Many states are participating in research, development, and evaluation of these technologies. For example, the Pooled Fund Study (PFD) is a partnership of 14 state agencies and the FHWA to facilitate the development and evaluation of CV applications. The recently concluded USDOT Connected Vehicle Safety Pilot Program provided large amounts of valuable data on how these technologies, applications, and systems perform in everyday traffic. A nationwide network of connected vehicles and infrastructure may soon become a reality. Many states throughout the country have executed MOUs and contractual agreements with members of the AV industry to enable the testing and database development of AV vehicles on public roadways.
Preparing for CV and AV Technology
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT’s) Connected Vehicle Program works with state and local transportation agencies, vehicle and device makers, and the public to test and evaluate technology that will enable cars, buses, trucks, trains, roads and other infrastructure, and our smartphones and other devices to “talk” to one another. On September 1, 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) awarded three cooperative agreements to initiate a Design/Build/Test phase of the Connected Vehicle (CV) Pilot Deployment Program in three sites: Wyoming, New York City (NYC), and Tampa. Sponsored by the USDOT Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO), the CV Pilot Deployment Program is a national effort to deploy, test, and operationalize cutting-edge mobile and roadside technologies and enable multiple CV applications. These innovative technologies and applications have the potential for immediate beneficial impacts. The technologies are designed to save lives, improve personal mobility, enhance economic productivity, reduce environmental impacts, and transform public agency operations. MassDOT will investigate opportunities for deployment and testing of such advanced technologies in the Commonwealth by utilizing the extensive academic and commercial resources available in the state.
Objectives
MassDOT needs to become more aware of the technological developments, the regulatory requirements, funding opportunities and potential benefits of the emerging CV technology to take appropriate actions for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The purpose of this study is to provide baseline information pertaining to strategic planning for CV technologies. This information will be used by Mass DOT to develop a strategic plan for the development and deployment of connected vehicle technology and infrastructure in Massachusetts.
Specifically, the study will include a synthesis of research on what other states and countries are doing to plan for the research, development and deployment of CV technologies.
Proactively coordinate the near-term and long-term technological advances associated with CV with appropriate policy and regulatory programming.
Create opportunities to attract and support new research, development and commercialization of CV technologies and OEM industries in MA
Explore opportunities for creating public-private partnerships to address the need for transportation infrastructure improvements and enhancements to accommodate CV technologies
Benefits to MassDOT
Automated and Connected vehicles have the potential to transform the way we travel through the creation of a safe, interoperable wireless communication network – a system that includes cars, buses, trucks, trains, traffic signals, smart phones, and other devices.
Preparing a roadmap for a strategic plan to incorporate CV technology in Massachusetts’ roadway and transportation infrastructure. This roadmap strategy will also support the Commonwealth’s Statewide Intelligent Transportation Systems Strategic Plan the objectives of which are to enhance public safety, increase mobility, support economic competitiveness, and promote sustainability through comprehensive and coordinated application of technology in the transportation sector.
Strategic planning for MassDOT is about linking agency missions to actions. The expected outcome of this study is a strategic roadmap for the planning, deployment and management of CV technology for the Commonwealth’s roadway and transportation infrastructure with options and executable steps for MassDOT.
It is expected that this study will provide MassDOT with the following:
- A clear vision of the future state of AV and CV technologies.
- An assessment of that future on transportation in the Commonwealth.
- Identification of strategies that MassDOT should undertake to leverage AV and CV technologies.
- Prepare MassDOT to address forthcoming developments in the AV and CV industries, such as the introduction of new technologies, advances in private sector CV products and services, and proposed new policies and regulations.
Scope of Work
The principal tasks are outlined below:
Task 1: Literature Review
This task will review the state-of-the-art and future directions in CV technology and its impact on the evolution of real time communication of vehicle movements, traffic performance and transportation systems capacity on roadways in Massachusetts. Included will be aspects of communication, automation, interoperability and deployment. This task will also review the numerous field tests and demonstration projects that are being undertaken worldwide, their scope, results and implications for the future.
Deliverable: Task 1 Report.
Task 2: Impacts of New Technologies
This task will examine what will be the effects of the new CV technologies on transportation in Massachusetts. Included will be potential effects on safety, mobility and environment. Consideration will be given to investments that will be required and to savings that may be achieved with the new technologies, in addition to the performance advantages. Additional considerations may include, among others, the following impacts: MassDOT and affiliated agency operations, availability and uses of data, transportation planning processes and transportation systems management and operations.
Deliverable: Draft Task 2 Report – meetings will be held with agency stakeholders to discuss the agency perspective and obtain inputs to the report.
Task 3: Potential Partnerships
An efficient statewide transportation system is crucial to an efficient statewide economy. Furthermore, Massachusetts is a leader in research and development in the hi-tech industries. MassDOT should continue to prioritize connected and automated vehicle technology programs that contribute to the development of a sustainable 21st century economy.
This task will identify strategies that MassDOT can undertake to leverage the new technologies. This will include potential funding from federal sources, partnering with public and private enterprises and developers.
Task 4: Roadmap for Strategic Planning
Connected and automated vehicle technology is likely to become the biggest development in passenger and commercial transportation since the inception of the Interstate Highway System. It is the mission of MassDOT to provide the highest quality of transportation system performance and operation using the most advanced technologies, such as ITS, AV and CV. In line with this mission, this task will prepare MassDOT to address forthcoming developments in CAV, including: the introduction of new technologies, advances in CV products and services and the development of policies and regulations. To be considered in this task will be, for example, development of testbeds for new technologies (e.g., communication with signal systems, advanced traveler information systems, etc.), education of professionals and policy makers, cooperation with academic institutions; maintain and improving the safety of the transportation system; improve data collection and dissemination; establish partnerships for the implementation and development of innovative and efficient AV and CV technologies.
Task 5: Final Report. Prepare final report that includes deliverables from Tasks 2-4 and provides a road-guide to MassDOT for development and implementation of AV and CV technologies for the next 10 years.
A meeting will be held to discuss the draft report, which then will be revised accordingly.
Management Plan
The project will be led by the Principal Investigator, Prof. Stamatiadis and the co-PI Prof. Gartner, both of them will be involved in all tasks. The co-PIs Profs. Xie and Chen will assist in the performance of the tasks and in the preparation of the deliverables. Prof. Chen, in particular, will take the lead in Task1, Prof. Xie will provide assistance in Tasks 2 and 3. All PIs will be involved in Task 5, preparation and revision of Final Report.
Meetings
A kickoff meeting will be held following the notice to proceed consisting of UMass Lowell Principal Investigator and key UMass Lowell research personnel, UMass Transportation Center staff, the MassDOT project champion and MassDOT Research Section personnel. The objectives of the meeting will be to identify UML personnel, establish progress meetings scope and frequency and identify project deliverables and timing.
Additional meetings will be held:
- after the completion of Task 2 (September 30, 2017) to review the progress to-date, obtain comments and revise accordingly;
- after the completion of the draft Final Report (February 15, 2017) to discuss its contents and revise accordingly.
Time Duration
Project Start: June 7st 2017
Project End: March 7th 2018
Project Deliverables and Schedule
Task Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Task 1: Literature Review. X
X
Task 2: Impacts of New Technologies X
X X
Task 3: Potential Partnerships X
X
Task 4: Development of the Strategic Plan X X X
Task 5: Final Report. X X
PROPOSED Budget
Amount PI – Chronis Stamatiadis – 1.1 month 14,833 CO-PIs: Nathan Gartner – 1.0 month 16,825 Yuanchang Xie – 0.55 months 6,897 Danjue Chen – 0.55 months 5,233 (1) Graduate Student (Academic year) 2,500 (1) Graduate Student (Summer) 5,580 Total Salaries & Wages 51,868 Fringe Benefits 6,647 Total Salaries, Wages & Fringe 58,515 Travel – Domestic 1,000 Supplies 0 Total Direct Costs 59,515 MTDC 59,510 Indirect Costs @ 26% 15,474 Total Direct & Indirect Costs 74,989