Georgia, Texas Partner for Next-Gen Transportation Innovation

The Ray, a highway testbed in Georgia, is partnering with Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, the Texas Department of Transportation and the city of Austin to explore transportation opportunities.

The Ray, a portion of Interstate 85 in Georgia serving as a transportation innovation testbed, is partnering with the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, the Texas Department of Transportation and the city of Austin to explore opportunities in the Lone Star State.

“The partnership with The Ray will offer the opportunity to investigate and potentially test a wide range of innovative processes and technologies,” said Steve Pustelnyk, director of community relations at the Mobility Authority.

In Georgia, The Ray has been involved in projects as diverse as helping to develop and test new technologies in highway striping to accommodate advanced driving systems (ADS) technology. The highway has also led the way in developing connected vehicles technology in the state and a large solar field located in right of way. In a report The Ray helped draft, researchers found interstate exits have the potential to generate some 36 terawatts of energy per year, which equals about 1 percent of U.S. electricity consumption.

These are some of the innovative ideas organizations like The Ray can move forward by partnering with cities and regions. Austin will use its partnership to explore strategies and objectives outlined in the Imagine Austin Comprehensive Plan, said Jeff Stensland, a public information specialist with the Austin Department of Transportation.

“Mobility project teams will prioritize efforts that enhance sustainability and resilience, improve safety, encourage innovation, and bolster racial equity and accessibility,” said Stensland. “These projects could include but are not limited to connected autonomous vehicle infrastructure, installation of solar-powered structures and exploration of dynamic electric vehicle charging opportunities.”

Meanwhile, the Central Texas Mobility Authority plans to pursue the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicle infrastructure, said Pustelnyk. This includes integrating autonomous vehicle data and advanced communication technologies into its regional traffic management and operations strategy.