The City of Riverside Innovation Corridor is a six-mile section of University Avenue between University of California, Riverside and downtown Riverside. This area was selected due to the its proximity to an expanding transit and alternative transportation network, research institutions associated with UCR, and the ever-expanding entertainment destinations in the downtown region, as shown in Figure 1. Along the corridor, all traffic signal controllers are being updated to be compatible with SAE connectivity standards. Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) roadside-units are mounted along with each traffic signal. Signal Phase and Time (SPaT) messages are directly transmitted to the DSRC units and forwarded to the vehicles equipped with onboard units. Meanwhile, Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) and Map messages are broadcasted via DSRC devices to support geofencing and accurate positioning. The Innovative Corridor will serve as a key testbed in southern California for Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) applications, such as connected eco-approach and departure (EAD), eco-transit operation, smart Intersection management, and other applications to improve safety, mobility and environmental sustainability. Figure 2 shows a photo from an EAD test along the Innovative Corridor. The Digital Visual Interface (DVI) inside the car displays the signal state and countdown information from the through movement at the downstream intersection. A target speed recommendation is also provided based on a digital speedometer to give drivers eco-driving guidance to pass the intersection in the most energy efficient manner.
There are many state-of-the-art elements to the Innovation Corridor that not only address transportation, but also energy and air quality. New generation air quality sensors are planned to be deployed at buses stops, intersections and downwind/upwind of the freeways to evaluate the air quality and health impact of the traffic. A variety of other futuristic elements will also be integrated in the corridor, such as user-focused shared zero emissions mobility services, renewable energy generation and vehicle-to-grid interaction.
A key vehicle testbed, located in Riverside, California. Consists of 10 instrumental intersections along a 4 lane urban arterial in the six-mile section of University Ave. between UCR Campus and Downtown Riverside. This arterial corridor has been outfitted with traffic signal controllers that broadcast signal phase and timing, employ video analytics, and is used for experimentation with shared, electric connected and automated vehicle (e.g. cars, bused, and trucks).
Complementing real world testing, modeling enables the projection of mobility and environmental benefits from the wide-scale adoption of shared, electric, connected and automated vehicle technologies.
The connectivity of these connected traffic signals is enabled by 4G/LTE cellular communication where real-time signal phase and timing (SPaT) information is sent to the Traffic Signal Information Systems (TSIS) server at UCR. Vehicles traveling on the testbed can request and receive the SPaT information from the TSIS server through the same cellular communication. Currently, the testbed is being used to test and evaluate an EAD application for heavy-duty truck, developed at UCR.
