The infrastructure to support a future of connected cars and automated vehicles is one step closer to reality.
Ben Miller reports: "After years of planning, the next several months are when Tim Sylvester will get the chance to start testing out what he’s been telling people for years: roads can pay for themselves."
"Sylvester’s company, Integrated Roadways, wants to put sensors, phone and Internet connectivity and other hardware inside the surfaces society drives on," adds Miller. The company will deploy its first pilot project in Kansas City, Missouri. A second pilot project is on the way in another location that has yet to be announced.
"Sometime this month, Sylvester expects to formally enter into contracts with both state agencies involved to lay down a combined 1.5 miles of pavement," explains Miller of the Kansas City pilot project. "He expects construction to begin in the spring, and to finish around August 2018."
An article by Mary Tyler March followed up on the news of the pilot project, providing additional insight into the potential of "smart roads" technology.
FULL STORY: Roads that Pay for Themselves: Startup Nears Two Smart Pavement Pilot Project Contracts
The Key to Self-Driving Safety: Priority Over Expediency
Human drivers are fallible. Can automated systems do a better job to reduce the likelihood of car collisions?
'Cars Are Death Machines'
Not one, not two, but three articles in the past week paint dire portraits of the world that cars have created.
Self-Driving Car or Hotel Room on Wheels?
With self-driving cars already well lodged in the public imagination as a sure thing in the relative near future, many people are already thinking about the potential business opportunities for the new technology.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie