SOLICITATION OF COOPERATIVE VENTURES FOR VIRGINIA'S SMART ROAD The Virginia Tech Center for Transportation Research (CTR), in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is currently constructing an open environment transportation research facility, commonly known as the Smart Road. The project will be operational by October 1998. Built to interstate standards, the two-mile, "test track and test bed" research facility will incorporate a research infrastructure focused on intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and innovative transportation structures research. Components of the infrastructure include a control center, fiber optic information network, power grid, snowmaking equipment, highway lighting testbed, and pavement instrumentation. The Smart Road is the first roadway in the world built from the ground up with such an extensive research infrastructure. The CTR is seeking donations and cooperative ventures in equipping components of the facility in the following areas: (1) highway lighting:lightpoles, luminaries, bracket arms; (2) surveillance video camera: digital or analog; (3) video wall and projection screen components; (4) fiber optic components: cable, connectors, add/drop multiplexers, photonic elements; (5) snow making components: air compressors rated at 1300cfm or greater and compatible hoses, road weather information systems, weather monitoring devices; (6) variable message signs; (7) innovative roadway markings: magnetic tape, high-powered LED lights; (8) advanced transportation technologies: weigh-in-motion, vehicle identification, vehicle based sensors; (9) wireless communications: cellular or spread spectrum-based for vehicle to roadside communications; (10) maintenance and safety equipment: snowplows, support vehicles, emergency vehicle lighting; (11) data acquisition equipment; (12) other transportation technologies and products. Detailed specifications for these areas are available on request. Gifts may be tax deductible. Interested parties should contact to Ashwin Amanna, Senior Research Associate, Center for Transportation Research, 1700 Kraft Dr., Suite 2000 (0536), Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0536. Phone: 540-231-3476, Fax: 540-231-5214. WEB: Click here for more information on the Smart Road, http://www.ctr.vt.edu. E-MAIL: Click here to contact the project manager of the Smart Road, aamanna@ctr.vt.edu.

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