Driving Forward�Applying National Connected Vehicle Advancements in Maricopa County

Christopher Toth, PhD, PE

christopher.toth@wsp.com

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October 10, 2024

Presentation Outline

• V2X Overview
• Brief History of V2X
• Current V2X Focus Areas
• Latest Advancements in Maricopa County

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V2X Interoperability at Scale I April 11, 2024

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V2X Overview​

Hardware​

• Roadside Unit (radio and processing)​
• On-Board Units (In-Vehicle Equipment) (radio and processing)​
• Supporting systems (e.g. traffic signal controller)​

Wireless communications

• Short-range direct V2X (5.9 GHz)​
• Network V2X (mobile network)
• V2X Message Set Dictionary (SAE J2735)

Applications​

• V2V Safety​
• V2I Safety/Mobility​/Information

Security and Authenticity (SCMS)

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General Architecture

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General Architecture

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V2X

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V2X Application Types

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Transportation Management

Processes messages from RSUs to generate metrics

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BSM Heatmap

Hard Braking Events

Roadway Speeds

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A Brief History of V2X

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ITS Arizona I October 10, 2024

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Image Source: USDOT

Connected Vehicle Deployments

Safety Pilot Model Deployment (2010)

• Ann Arbor, MI

Connected Vehicle Pilots (2014)

• NYC DOT
• Wyoming DOT
• Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority

Smart Cities (2016) - Connected Vehicle Environment

• Columbus, OH

Signal Phase and Timing (SPaT) Challenge (2018)

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US V2X Deployments

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FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (2019)

Reallocation of 5.9 GHz spectrum (75 MHz)

• Lower 45 MHz to unlicensed Wi-Fi
• Upper 30 MHz remains dedicated transportation safety
• Communications medium transition from DSRC to C-V2X
• Use of DSRC to diminish in the long term

Image Source: NXP

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Latest Momentum (2022 to present)

USDOT hosts V2X summits (Aug 2022, Apr 2023, Oct 2023)

FCC approves ‘joint waiver’ (April 2023)

ITS America releases National V2X Deployment Plan (April 2023)

FCC call for vote on the second report and order (July 2024)

USDOT releases Saving Lives with Connectivity: A Plan to Accelerate V2X Deployment (August 2024)

Grant opportunities for deploying V2X technologies:

• Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART)
• Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN)
• Safe Streets for All (SS4A)
• Saving Lives with Connectivity: Accelerating V2X Deployment

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Current V2X Focus Areas

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Focus Area #1�Use V2X to Address VRU Safety

Vulnerable road users (VRUs) such as pedestrians and bicyclists are at a higher risk of being involved in road crashes.

• Highest fatality rate in over 40 years

Increases in VRU crashes have been observed due to various factors:

• Increased urbanization leading to more mixed traffic environments.
• Distraction caused by electronic devices.
• Lack of visibility and awareness, especially during low-light conditions or inclement weather.

V2X is one tool that is part of the Safe Systems Approach

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Focus Area #2�Justify Investment in V2X Technology

Provide Day 1 Benefit – signal priority and preemption

• Partner with agencies that operate vehicle fleets (transit, maintenance, etc.) to install OBUs.

Simultaneously broadcast other messages

• Production-equipped vehicles will eventually use V2X data

Long-term goal is safety

• Reduced crashes, injuries, fatalities by warning drivers
• V2I requires participation of the auto manufacturers

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ITS Arizona I October 10, 2024

Focus Area #3�Interoperable Connectivity at Scale

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Deployment on production vehicles is critical!

​

OEMs need to justify their investment.

• Consistency and reliability in data from CV-enabled intersections provide a dependable user experience.

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Unless messages are…

accurate consistent reliable secure

…vehicles receiving them will not be able to make safety-of-life decisions.

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V2X Interoperability at Scale I May 16, 2024

V2X Interoperability at Scale I April 11, 2024

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Why is Interoperability Important?

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Focus Area #4�Use the 5.9 GHz Spectrum

Use it or lose it (again)!

Previous efforts provided little impact, took too much time.

Deployers today have a better understanding of the capabilities of V2X technologies and the benefits it can provide.

Advocates are hopeful that the dedicated spectrum can be expanded if its usefulness can be demonstrated

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Focus Area #5�Cooperative Communications Ecosystem

Utilize multiple Communications media

• Short-range direct V2X (5.9 GHz)​
• Network V2X (mobile network)
• Satellite
• etc.

Seamless information sharing across various platforms

• Provides reliable connectivity in remote and in high-traffic areas
• Applications supported may vary

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Latest Advancements in Maricopa County

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SMARTDrive

MCDOT recognized nationally as a V2X leader

Know what it takes to develop and deploy an interoperable system.

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Anthem, AZ; 11 signalized intersections; 5.3 miles

Multi-Modal Intelligent Traffic Signal System (MMITSS)

Development led by University of Arizona

Roadside processing software – interfaces with controller and RSU

Intelligent Traffic Signal Control (I-SIG)

Transit/Freight/Emergency Priority/Preemption (TSP, FSP, PREEMPT)

Mobile Accessible Pedestrian Signal System (PED-SIG)

Interoperability testing performed

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Saving Lives with Connectivity:�Accelerating V2X Deployment USDOT Grant

Feedback from V2X Summits → National Deployment Plan → Dedicated Funding

USDOT Discretionary Grant Program

$40M available ($20M max, 20% match)

8-year Period of Performance

Focus Areas:

Major deployment of 5.9GHz V2X technology, at scale

Demonstrate interoperability between sites and technologies

Three Winning Applications Selected

Maricopa County DOT – CV Acceleration Zone – $19.6M

Utah DOT – Connecting the West – $20M

Texas Transportation Institute – $19.2M

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MCDOT CV Acceleration Zone Proposal Team

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Public Partners

Private Partners

Deployment Lead

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Deployment Zone

750+ Connected Intersections (25%)

650 Direct C-V2X (5.9GHz)

100 Network V2X (cellular)

400+ OBUs deployed in transit, freight, and emergency vehicles

Mobile Device (applications)

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Technical architecture adopted from previous USDOT V2X projects

Interoperable hardware and software

Serving Justice40 areas

Applications:

Emergency Vehicle Preemption

Transit Signal Priority

Freight Signal Priority

Vulnerable Road User Detection/Alerts

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MCDOT CV Acceleration Zone

Deployment Locations

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Deployment Concept: Direct / C-V2X

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Deployment Concept: Network / Cellular

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Conclusions

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The CVAZ addresses the latest focus areas in the V2X industry.

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MCDOT and the project team are ready to take on this scaled up deployment effort

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Partner agencies will be positioned to harness the potential of V2X technologies

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Questions

Christopher Toth, PhD, PE

christopher.toth@wsp.com

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ITS Arizona I October 10, 2024