Construction companies are building smarter highways across the country, which will help solve many of the infrastructure challenges that exist today. One example comes from the Colorado Department of Transportation (DOT), which has spearheaded the RoadX initiative to use next-gen tech to solve infrastructure challenges.
In this particular state, population is booming, with a 50 percent growth in the last 20 years and another 50 percent growth projected for the next 20 years. Combine this with congested roadways, and the state decided to address the challenge with technology, which will lead to smarter roadways and more informed drivers.
Some of the technologies include ramps that help improve the flow of traffic and decrease the need for additional lanes and virtual guardrails that talk to cars to prevent and eliminate crashes.
Smart Pavement & Other Infrastructure Technologies
Most recently, Integrated Roadways began working with the Colorado DOT to install one-half-mile of smart pavement on a highway project. This will collect data from run-off-the-road accidents and send automatic notices to the Colorado DOT during a five-year demonstration period. The project leverages the Smart Pavement technology, which makes roadways touch-sensitive to vehicle positions.
In general, with the help of technology, the Colorado DOT indicates 80 percent of accidents could be reduced or eliminated; highway capacity could be quadrupled; and it can reduce congestion and vehicle emissions.
Other projects in motion in the state of Colorado include:
- Hyperloop
- Hyper-smart system on I-25
- A project that establishes a communication system along I-70 Mountain Corridor to drivers about road conditions.
These are just a few ways that infrastructure is changing in the state of Colorado, with the help of technology. Many other government agencies and local municipalities are also evaluating how smart pavement and other similar technologies can help build infrastructure of the future.
