The City of Dublin, Ohio, has installed connected vehicle technology at two intersections and on two fleet vehicles, marking a significant step forward in the deployment of intelligent transportation infrastructure. This initiative is part of the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor project and partially funded by a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) grant.

The roadside units (RSUs) will send real-time traffic signal phase and timing information to vehicles that are equipped with on-board units (OBUs). Long term, the OBUs will communicate with the RSUs sharing traffic information that will include location and speed of vehicles. This data will be processed to help transportation agencies measure traffic patterns and traffic flow from adjacent streets and intersections.

Two City of Dublin vehicles are currently equipped with OBUs, with more OBU installations planned in the coming months. Eventually, all city vehicles will be equipped with the units.

The RSU and OBU devices receive and broadcast messages using Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC), which involve vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications.

While this initial phase of connected vehicle infrastructure deployment is limited, the long-term vision for this connected vehicle technology is much more robust.

“This is an important step for us here in Dublin, but it’s just the beginning,” said Dublin Public Works Director Megan O’Callaghan. “Ultimately, connected vehicle technology is designed to help improve traffic flow, efficiency and most importantly, safety.”

In 2016, USDOT awarded a $5.9 million grant to the City of Dublin, the City of Marysville, and Union County for the advancement of the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor. Specifically, the grant provides funding for DSRC infrastructure installation along the corridor for connected vehicle and autonomous vehicle testing and research.