TRL to lead Digital Road for Evolving Connected and Automated Driving programme
TRL are celebrating a significant new contract win having been appointed Project Management Lead on the Digital Road for Evolving Connected and Automated Driving (DiREC) project.
A two-year programme that forms part of the CEDR Transnational Research Programme (TRP), TRL will also be providing technical support to a number of the work packages involved.
The DiREC project will establish a CAV-Ready Framework (CRF) for infrastructure to address the ability of highway infrastructure to support Connected and Automated Driving (CAD). The CRF will provide a common vision for improved engagement between National Road Authorities (NRAs), service providers and OEMs and will include tools to help NRAs understand the costs and benefits of delivering different types of infrastructure service to support CAD.
Alex Wright, Chief Technologist at TRL, explains further: “DiREC provides a framework for NRAs to develop innovative strategies to meet the challenges presented by Connected and Automated Driving on their networks. We believe that establishing a CAV-Ready Framework will put the spotlight on what is important to NRAs and their partners when planning the adaptation of their own infrastructure.”
Wright continues: “The CRF will establish a clear pathway to help NRAs and other stakeholders make measurable progress to achieve their goals for infrastructure that is ready for CAD. Through this programme we will help NRAs to prepare for the requirements in a targeted and proactive manner.”
As the levels of CAD increase, there will be greater demand for road networks to provide additional infrastructure and services to improve safety and reduce congestion. The DiREC programme aims to provide a clear picture of the risks, opportunities, impacts, responsibilities, and liabilities surrounding CAD, outlining a clear roadmap to address these alongside the tools to measure the progress being made towards Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV)-ready networks.
Other members of the consortium include Technische Universiteit Delft (TUI), Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories (FEHRL), Arup, Statens väg- och transportforskningsinstitut (VTI) and the Technical Research Center of Finland Ltd (VTT).
