Plan will guide state’s connected and automated vehicle future
Baton Rouge, La., Feb. 11, 2022 — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD), with the help of Arcadis, has taken a major step forward in embracing connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technologies. Following an 18-month study, Arcadis has delivered a strategic plan that outlines LADOTD’s CAV vision and provides a roadmap toward a smart mobility future. The plan is the first of its kind in Louisiana.
Connected (meaning they communicate with each other and the world around them) and automated (meaning they can drive themselves independently) vehicles provide a strategic foundation for relieving traffic congestion and protecting the environment, in turn improving safety and reliability. LADOTD’s CAV vision is to provide a policy, program, and legal framework to encourage the safe and secure deployment of CAV technologies that focus on sustainable improvements in safety, efficiency and reliability of Louisiana’s transportation system. The new plan will also help support future workforce needs and economic opportunity.
“CAV technologies help address many mobility challenges,” said Akhil Chauhan, Arcadis’ national director of smart mobility and CAV. “A driverless future is coming, and how transportation agencies around the world respond depends on culture and current infrastructure. LADOTD is leading in many ways, and we are delighted to be part of their journey.”
The CAV roadmap identifies 15 specific CAV actions that will guide LADOTD’s CAV initiatives for the next five years. As national attention shifts to infrastructure and a green economy, the roadmap addresses the intersection of CAV technology trends and current federal and state transportation funding priorities. A detailed review of intelligent transportation systems technology, strategic visioning workshops with LADOTD, and ongoing collaboration with local stakeholders were critical in developing final recommendations.
“The future of mobility is changing, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that the future works in the best interest of our residents and visitors alike,” said Steve Glascock, former LADOTD ITS Director. “This CAV plan presents a clear path forward in establishing Louisiana as a next-generation transportation leader.”
"Every city, large or small, should have urban mobility functions that are healthy, safe, citizen-centric, sustainable, accessible, investible and smart,” said Wassim Selman, Arcadis’ mobility lead in North America. “This CAV plan is a commendable step forward in securing Louisiana’s innovative and resilient transportation future.”
