Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC) broke ground this week on a new 66,000 square foot impact laboratory. When completed TRC’s 4,500-acre research campus will replace the center’s existing impact lab which has made crucial, lifesaving contributions to advanced highway safety technologies.

The new impact lab is made possible through a $24 million economic development grant from the state of Ohio. The grant was included in a recently passed capital budget to help the proving ground test the next generation of cars, trucks and buses, including electric and autonomous vehicles.

A New Testing Ground

Upgraded features in the new lab include robotic cameras, sensors and other state-of-the-art technology for testing vehicles in high-impact collisions. TRC estimates that it will take three years to complete the project.

“This new and expanded Impact Lab will have a positive impact on the region and entire state, further enhancing the work happening at the site to develop highway safety technologies,” said Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who joined TRC employees, state officials and other dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony. “For more than a century, Ohio has been at the heart of transportation manufacturing, innovation and research. This outstanding facility will be another big step toward extending that legacy.”

This major investment in TRC’s research capabilities comes at a time when the nonprofit, independent center is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

TRC's Other Facilities

Since TRC opened its proving grounds in 1974, they have attracted more than 1,000 clients from world-leading industries to Ohio. They have also partnered with decision makers in every sector to drive innovation in automotive safety and performance.

TRC’s East Liberty campus operates around the clock to conduct tests in a variety of advanced research facilities. Key research facilities include closed-road courses, rural lanes, a 7.5-mile high-speed oval test track, and a 50-acre vehicle dynamics area.

Recently, TRC created a specialized testing complex for autonomous and connected vehicles. This new 540-acre “SmartCenter” has already become a magnet for the world’s leading innovators, who come to Ohio to test and refine their transformational technologies.

Pushing Technology Forward

TRC has had key roles in the development of automotive innovations such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, lane assist, and adaptive cruise control. These were all tested and refined at TRC before they appeared on roadways.

Most recently TRC has developed pioneering testing facilities for the development of autonomous driving technologies.