We're constantly pushing the boundaries of transportation. In fall 2023, we took a major leap forward by conducting groundbreaking Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (CAV) demonstrations on the 395 Express Lanes, collaborating with key partners to unlock the future of safe and efficient travel.

We joined forces with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI), and Crash Avoidance Metrics Partners (CAMP LLC). Funded by a $7.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), this project rigorously tested a CAV in real-world scenarios designed to push its capabilities and ensure the highest level of safety for everyone on the road.

The demonstrations put the CAV through a series of challenging maneuvers, simulating unexpected situations that could be especially complex for autonomous vehicles. These included:

• Responding to a law enforcement officer directing traffic around a simulated accident.
• Identifying unseen hazards beyond the vehicle's line of sight by communicating with smart road technology.
• Navigating safely around first responders and construction zones.
• Maintaining tight vehicle formations using real-time data from road infrastructure, maximizing road capacity.

The valuable data collected from these demonstrations will provide crucial insights as we explore the future of CAV technology.

We're proud to be at the forefront of this exciting journey. We remain committed to innovation and collaboration as we shape the future of transportation.