WisDOT’s automated vehicle advisory committee advances innovations in transportation

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) hosted transportation partners Wednesday for the spring meeting of the Wisconsin Automated Vehicle External (WAVE) Advisory Committee. The group meets twice a year in Madison to provide input on the impact of Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies on Wisconsin’s transportation system.

The spring meeting focused on continued discussions as WisDOT works to create a new CAV resource guide for Wisconsin communities. The guide is expected to help communities consider what’s needed to implement CAV technology, including potential infrastructure upgrades, the impact on freight movement, engaging with partners, anticipated costs and research.

“Once complete, this resource guide will help our stakeholders and partners better understand how CAV technologies can improve safety and efficiency in our transportation system,” Lea Collins-Worachek, administrator of WisDOT’s Division of Budget and Strategic Initiatives, said. “The guide will outline the benefits and challenges of CAVs, so communities can begin to develop integration strategies customized to their individual needs.”

The WAVE Advisory Committee formed in 2020 to provide WisDOT with insight into how innovations in CAV technology can benefit and impact Wisconsin stakeholders. Its members include nonprofit groups, industry professionals, academics, lawmakers, and state, local and federal agency representatives.

“Connected Vehicles and Automated Vehicles are here. They ‘see’ differently than traditional vehicles. Whether its wider paint lines, travel lane metrics, or other urban and rural needs, it is important to know how they inter-relate,” said Chris Hardy, WAVE committee member and highway commissioner in Brown County. “CAV use affects people, roads, resources, and budgets so the WAVE committee helps local communities understand what is out there, how is it being used, what may be coming in the future and how that may impact local funding needs in the future.”

Spring WAVE meeting attendees also had a chance to see a demonstration of UW-Madison’s new automated shuttle. Researchers are piloting the technology to study its feasibility and inform its potential impact on safety.

CAV technology is designed to improve safety and reduce the risks of human errors that lead to crashes. Connected Vehicles (CVs) communicate with other CVs, infrastructure and vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and bicyclists. An example of a CV technology is adaptive traffic light controls for emergency vehicles.

Automated Vehicles (AVs) use cameras and sensors to perform some driving functions, such as steering and braking, to avoid crashes. Many of these driver assist technologies are currently installed in newer vehicles, but Wisconsin state law currently requires an operator to be behind the wheel and in physical control of a vehicle at all times while driving on Wisconsin roadways.

Learn more about WisDOT’s CAV program on the WisDOT website.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.