USDOT funds eight autonomous vehicle projects

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The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded nearly $60 million in federal grant funding to eight projects in seven states to test the safe integration of automated driving systems.

The systems have the potential to improve safety for vehicle operators, occupants, and other travelers. The ADS Demonstration Grants are intended to foster collaboration between state and local governments and private partners and gather significant safety data to inform agency decisions.

Projects were encouraged to highlight the department’s goals of collaboration, safety, and data for safety analysis and rulemaking.

“The Department is awarding $60 million in grant funding to test the safe integration of automated vehicles into America’s transportation system while ensuring that legitimate concerns about safety, security, and privacy are addressed,” Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao said at the Federal Highway Administration Research Showcase.

The showcase featured exhibits and demonstrations on emerging technologies, ongoing research, and the capabilities of the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center to emphasize the importance of research and innovation in transportation.

Grants ranged from $8.4 million to $7.03 million.

The largest grant was awarded to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for a project that examines how to integrate automated driving systems into work zones safely.