Connected Vehicle Infrastructure University Transportation Center
CVI-UTC researchers hosted the National Pavement Evaluation Conference from September 15-18, 2014 in Blacksburg, VA. This conference covered topics such as texture and friction measurement, tire-pavement noise, ground penetrating radar (GPR), video distress rating and structural testing. Professionals backgrounds of the attendees varied widely, including end-users, operators, researchers, construction and design engineers, and manufacturers who have an interest in the equipment, methods, and use of non-destructive pavement evaluation, as well as consultants, contractors, and construction equipment developers who are in the business of meeting performance requirements for traveled surfaces (such as smoothness). After the meeting, equipment owners and manufactures were invited to participate at an equipment comparison rodeo that was conducted at the Virginia Smart Road in Blacksburg, Virginia.
In the summer of 2014, Morgan State University’s National Transportation Center (NTC) hosted the Summer Transportation Institute (STI) through funding provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation, United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, and the Connected Vehicle/Infrastructure University Transportation Center (CVI-UTC). The STI serves to attract high school students to participate in a STEM summer program and aims to address the nation’s need for a diverse pool of transportation professionals capable of developing long-term solutions to complicated intermodal transportation issues. In order to meet this goal, STI increases pre-college students’ awareness of transportation careers. The program also helps to enhance the students’ academic skills so they can be successful in careers in the transportation industry.
Twenty-two students from diverse backgrounds participated in the nonresidential program at Morgan State University from July 9-August 2, 2014. The four-week program provided a multidisciplinary academic curriculum, which included guest speaker presentations, computer laboratories, research, and field trips. The students had an opportunity to drive a car simulator. The students learned about all modes of transportation and gained leadership skills while working on team-building projects. Field trips included the Smart Road in Blacksburg, Virginia, Maryland Transit Administration, and Maryland Boat Pilots Association. In addition, the participants learned about college preparation and career planning.
Read the full report here.
The 2014 World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems saw record-breaking participation levels, with more than 270 sessions and 600 technical and scientific papers. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the Connected Vehicle/Infrastructure University Transportation Center showcased developments in ITS technology, featuring instrumented test beds, connected motorcycles and vehicle automation. On-site demonstrations included a connected motorcycle and level 2-3 automation led by Dr. Zac Doerzaph, Director of the Center for Advanced Automotive Research at VTTI, and Dr. Myra Blanco, Director of the Center for Public Policy, Partnerships, and Outreach at VTTI.
To learn more about the 2014 ITS World Congress, visit http://detroit2014.itsworldcongress.org/.