University of California Institute of Transportation Studies

Roadway infrastructure is key to continued economic growth in California, supporting our daily needs for moving both people and goods. In the era of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), there is a strong need for testing the new enabling technology and upgrading current infrastructure to support different types of connectivity and automation. This report summarizes the research team’s efforts to: a) inventory California’s CAV testing facilities and testbeds; b) collaborate with the City of Riverside to upgrade communication capabilities along the Riverside Innovation Corridor and enable both dedicated short range communications (DSRC) and cellular-based communications; c) develop an innovative connected eco-approach and departure (EAD) application for actuated signalized corridors; and d) conduct field operational tests to assess the costs and benefits from infrastructure upgrades. The research shows that despite relatively slower communication time compared to DSRC, cellular-based communications can provide additional benefits to vehicles equipped with eco-driving CAV applications such as EAD, due to its greater communication range. Furthermore, broadcasting Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services correction messages is a cost-effective solution to improving positioning accuracy for equipped vehicles.