Harnessing SMART Grants, Advancing Connected Vehicles to Ensure Safety and Equity in Arizona

Abstract: Title: Harnessing SMART Grants, Advancing Connected Vehicle and Emerging Technologies to Ensure Safety and Equity in Arizona's Transportation
Abstract: The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and the City of Phoenix (COP) are leading two distinct SMART grant projects funded by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The ACA has partnered with ADOT, MCDOT, Valley Metro, the University of Arizona (UA), ASU, Verizon, MAG, CPLC, and HDR to implement cutting-edge connected vehicle technology in Arizona. This project focuses on deploying connected vehicle technology and developing applications to launch advanced congestion/back-of-queue warnings, work zone warnings, and transit priority systems using mobile apps, big data, and roadside units. The primary goals are to enhance safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability, create positive societal impacts, engage disadvantaged communities, and generate new employment opportunities.

The COP has partnered with UA, ITERIS, NoTraffic, and HDR to implement emerging technologies for passively detecting pedestrians and bicyclists at intersections along transit corridors and in disadvantaged communities. The objective is to reduce pedestrian delay at crossings and improve compliance and overall safety.

HDR is supporting both the ACA and COP as their Program Manager/Grant Administrator and providing technical assistance. This presentation will outline the SMART grant, detailing how local government agencies can leverage this discretionary fund to implement cutting-edge technologies, maintain equity, and enhance accessibility for disadvantaged communities and the transportation sector.