PRECURSOR SYSTEMS ANALYSES OF AUTOMATED HIGHWAY SYSTEMS. FINAL REPORT. ACTIVITY AREA K: AHS ROADWAY OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS

This study considers the roadway operational requirements of an automated highway system (AHS) in light of corresponding operational requirements for existing conventional highways with traffic operations centers (TOCs). Contrasts and similarities between TOC and AHS operations are identified. Maintenance operations and activities are the focus of the study. Similarities and contrasts between AHS and conventional highways are considered, analyzed, and discussed to raise issues and risks. Urban/rural, passenger/heavy vehicle, and representative system configuration differences are covered insofar as there are significant differences among these categories of possible AHS operations. Maintenance needs and incident response requirements as they would impact an AHS operating agency are qualitatively analyzed. Two possible staged deployment scenarios for AHS are presented. The fault tolerance of the AHS is assessed. Results of interviews with personnel in charge of several existing TOCs have been summarized. The role of the driver in an AHS is discussed.