Connected and Autonomous Vehicles 2040 Vision

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) commissioned a one-year project, Connected and Autonomous Vehicles 2040 Vision, with researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to assess the implications of connected and autonomous vehicles on the management and operation of the state’s surface transportation system. This report explores the impacts of connected and autonomous vehicles on design and investment decisions, communication devices investment, real-time data usage, existing infrastructure, workforce training needs, driver licensing and freight flow as they relate to PennDOT. For each of these areas, a set of recommendations has been provided. As connected and autonomous technologies are advancing, it is recommended that PennDOT take these actions in a timely manner. A timeline for the recommended actions has been provided to help PennDOT plan accordingly. The timelines are based on current available information and the time frames are likely to change over time.