Georgia DOT Celebrates Connected Vehicle Technology Integration

Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) recently held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) waivers granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowing Georgia DOT to integrate C-V2X technology across the state, according to the agency's news release.

The ceremony featured Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E., Atlanta DOT Commissioner Solomon Caviness, Georgia Division Administrator for the Federal Highway Association Sabrina David, and ITS America President and CEO Laura Chace.

State Transportation Board members Stacy Key (Congressional District 5) and Dana Lemon (Congressional District 13) were also in attendance. 

Examples of C-V2X Technology

C-V2X technology enables data sharing between vehicles, transportation infrastructure, pedestrians, and mobile networks to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and increase road safety.

Practical examples of this technology include: 

• Emergency vehicle prioritization: Communication with traffic systems to ensure that first responders have priority on the roadway improving response times through congested corridors.
• Reduced emissions: Communication with traffic signals can reduce idling at intersections helping to reduce emissions by 20%.
• Improved safety: Communications with other vehicles and transportation infrastructure can provide motorists with real-time information (hard braking, work zones, red light violation warnings, green light optimal speed advisory) that can prevent accidents and reduce fatalities.

How Georgia DOT Will Implement C-V2X Tech

In 2021, Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allowing for technology funding in transportation and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has supported Georgia DOT as it worked to secure the necessary FCC waivers and implement the C-V2X technology on Georgia’s roadways.

“Georgia is on the leading edge of deploying connected vehicle technology to make their roads safer for all: cyclists, pedestrians, construction crews, and drivers,” said Shailen Bhatt, FHWA Administrator. “That is critical to advancing our shared mission of delivering a world-class transportation system -- in Georgia and across the entire country – that is safer, more efficient, more sustainable, and more equitable for all.”

Georgia DOT currently has more than 700 intersections and interstate installations ready to deploy C-V2X technology, in addition to the over 1200 signalized intersections already deployed with connected vehicle technology.

Additionally, the department has developed a V2X roadmap that outlines a 10-year funding program to equip all signalized intersections on the state route system.