US 33 Smart Mobility Corridor Program Management

Franklin and Union Counties, Ohio

Across the United States, the focus on smart transportation systems is increasing to help relieve traffic congestion, offer additional transportation options, and, most importantly, reduce the number of accidents and improve road safety.

Michael Baker provided program management and technical oversight for the administration of a U.S. Department of Transportation Advanced Transportation Congestion Management Technologies Deployment grant to implement connected vehicle technologies along a 35-mile section of US 33 between the cities of Dublin and Marysville near Columbus, Ohio.

The US 33 corridor offers a unique opportunity to deploy and test smart vehicle technology in various settings, including urban, suburban and rural roadway types, such as local, arterial and collector streets and multi-lane divided highway ramps. The corridor has hosted numerous industry events and attracts testers and technology providers. The corridor, part of the Beta District, is marketed as one of the world’s most unique proving grounds.   

The deployment included the installation of 63 vehicle-to-infrastructure roadside unit communication devices along US 33, with another 37 units installed at traffic signals within Marysville and Dublin. The project equipped 200 public agency fleet vehicles with connected vehicle technology and included a connected vehicle management system, security credentialing system and supporting IT network to manage the data flows and system. As part of the project, five connected vehicle applications were deployed, including pedestrian crossing warning, curve speed warning at interchange ramps, intersection safety warning and collision avoidance, reduce speed zone warning and lane closure warning.

Michael Baker’s services to the Northwest 33 Innovation Council of Governments (COG) included overall program management, technology assessment, systems engineering, design of the supporting infrastructure along the freeway, public engagement, technical support and procurement oversight. Michael Baker continues to provide technology advisory services to the COG beyond the grant as a result of its exemplary leadership on the grant project.