Project Details
06/06/19
09/09/24
National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)
Researchers
About the research
Connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies have the potential to produce a number of safety, mobility, and environmental benefits for the users and operators of the nation’s surface transportation system. Due to the rate of turnover in the existing vehicle fleet, however, infrastructure will need to be maintained for both human drivers and CAVs for some time. Additionally, uncertainty regarding CAV technology can make it difficult for agency managers to select and invest in assets supporting CAV deployment and to determine future workforce needs.
The aim of this study was to identify likely infrastructure maintenance needs due to the implementation of CAV technologies, develop guidance on measurable maintenance standards (if feasible) and the resources required to implement those standards, and assess any implications for workforce needs. Available maintenance information for key infrastructure assets identified in Phase I was collected from 39 state responses to a national survey and 18 follow-up interviews with states, municipalities, asset vendors, and maintenance contractors.
Among the most significant findings of the research was that states are acting in anticipation of CAVs, but with significant limitations in the knowledge, skills, and abilities of their workforces. Agencies addressed that gap temporarily by contracting work to third parties such as universities, vendors, consultants, and contractors. Public-private partnership (PPP) relationships also represented an effective method to pilot emerging technologies.
However, long-term adverse outcomes could result if the agency deploying the technology does not retain the knowledge gained during deployment. Because agencies were in earlier stages of implementation than expected during this project, none of the agencies or maintenance contractors interviewed had significant experience with CAV asset maintenance. As a result, maintenance standards and best practices were not sufficiently mature for documentation.