Center for Environmental Research and Technology

Key Technologies and Applications

• Testbed Overview & Location

  Key Vehicle Testbed Location:

  • Geographic Setting:
    • The testbed is located in Riverside, California, along a six-mile section of University Avenue between UCR Campus and Downtown Riverside.
    • It comprises 10 instrumental intersections along a four-lane urban arterial.
  • Infrastructure Characteristics:
    • The arterial corridor is outfitted with upgraded traffic signal controllers that broadcast real-time signal phase and timing (SPaT) data.
    • Video analytics and advanced sensing systems are deployed along the corridor for continuous monitoring and experimental data collection.
    • The corridor is used for experimentation with shared, electric, connected, and automated vehicles—including cars, buses, and trucks.

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• Advanced Traffic Signal and Communication Systems

  Modernized Signal Infrastructure:

  • Signal Controller Upgrades:

    • All traffic signal controllers along the corridor are being retrofitted to broadcast SPaT messages.
    • DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) roadside units are mounted at each intersection to receive and transmit SPaT, RTCM, and map messages. These ensure accurate vehicle positioning and support geofencing functionalities.

  • Traffic Signal Information Systems (TSIS):

    • A 4G/LTE cellular network relays real-time SPaT data from the signal controllers to a centralized TSIS server located at UCR.
    • Vehicles equipped with onboard units can request and receive this SPaT data through the same cellular network.
    • Currently, this system is actively used to test an Eco-Approach and Departure (EAD) application designed for heavy-duty trucks.

  • In-Vehicle Digital Visual Interface (DVI):

    • Displays real-time signal phase status, countdown timers, and target speed recommendations to support energy-efficient driving behavior at intersections.

  
• Connected Vehicle Applications

  Eco-Approach and Departure (EAD):

  • Application Overview:

    • Vehicles “listen” to upcoming signal phases, enabling drivers to adjust speeds for an energy-efficient approach to signalized intersections.
    • The Digital Visual Interface provides drivers with recommended target speeds based on the current SPaT data.

  • Performance Outcomes:

    • Mobility Improvements: Reduction in delays by 5% – 20%.

    • Energy Savings: Potential energy consumption reduction by 10% – 20%.

  Eco-friendly Cooperative Traffic Optimization (ECoTOp):

  • Technical Approach:
    • Integrates connected vehicle trajectory management with adaptive signal timing.
    • Research, including studies presented at the Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting (2023), supports this method as an effective means to optimize longitudinal vehicle dynamics while reducing emissions.

  
• Simulation and Testing Platforms

  Complementing Real-World Testing:

  • Simulation Capabilities:

    • Advanced modeling platforms are employed to simulate the mobility and environmental benefits of widespread CAV adoption.
    • These simulations validate experimental data and predict the system-wide impacts of integrating shared, electric, connected, and automated vehicle technologies.

  • Benefits:

    • Provides critical insights into the projected benefits on traffic flow and emissions reduction.
    • Supports continuous system optimization and integration of emerging technologies.

  
• Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Innovations

  Integrated Air Quality and Energy Initiatives:

  • Air Quality Sensors:

    • Next-generation air quality sensors are deployed at key locations—including bus stops, intersections, and near freeway corridors—to monitor emissions and assess public health impacts.
    • Early results indicate smoother traffic flow and up to 15% reduction in emissions.

  • Sustainable Mobility and Energy Solutions:

    • The corridor is also testing shared zero-emission mobility services, renewable energy generation, and vehicle-to-grid interactions.
    • These initiatives complement transportation improvements with broader environmental benefits.
• Partnerships and Collaborative Initiatives

  Collaborative Framework:

  • Key Stakeholders:
    • City of Riverside, Toyota, Honda, UC-ITS, NCST, and Caltrans.
  • Collaborative Programs:
    • Partnerships extend to initiatives such as the EcoCAR program and various research projects that drive both technological innovation and environmental sustainability.
• Media, Visuals, and Further Information
  • On-Site Visual Demonstrations:
    • Photographic evidence from Eco-Approach and Departure tests shows the in-vehicle Digital Visual Interface (DVI) displaying signal phase, countdown information, and eco-driving guidance.
  • Additional Resources:
    • For further technical insights and demonstration of smart intersection technologies, please refer to our presentation materials and view our demonstration video on YouTube: Watch Video.