The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and The Ray announced a new pact this week that will see all three parties committed to testing the implementation of transportation innovations and future-forward infrastructure along 18 miles of Interstate 85.
That section of the interstate is known as The Ray — a living transportation innovation lab previously partners with GDOT to demonstrate technology and infrastructure projects. Those projects have included the nation’s first solar road, its first driver-over tire safety station, as well as a solar-powered electric vehicle charging station and experimental land management solutions. Its use as a mobile lab has been the case for the past four years, so the charter essentially formalizes a relationship that was already in place, with one major addition.
“The Ray is the blueprint for the future of all highways,” Harriet Langford, president and founder of The Ray, said. “FHWA involvement will help us scale nationally and internationally what works and will maximize our impact.”
Under the charter, the Ray is now defined as “a user-centered, open-innovation ecosystem that integrates concurrent research and innovation goals and processes within a partnership involving government, philanthropic, private sector and advanced technology organizations.” It’s also a model its creators hope to see exported to other states.
“Our partnership with The Ray and GDOT exemplifies FHWA’s commitment to support our state and local partners in advancing innovative technologies and practices to improve the safety and performance of our transportation system,” Moises Marrero, FHWA Georgia Division administrator, said.