AN OVERVIEW OF SYSTEMS STUDIES OF AUTOMATED HIGHWAY SYSTEMS

In the past 10 years, the technology required for highway automation has experienced extensive advances. The changes in operational capability and technical performance of present highway systems employing these advances has been widely acknowledged. This acknowledgment is evidenced by the recent interest in the Intelligent Vehicle Highway System. This paper summarizes a comprehensive systems study of the factors influencing the design, development, and deployment of such a system. Candidate system concepts and system implementation strategies, which have a high potential for successful deployment with a minimum of disruptive influence and cost impact on the current highway system, are identified and analyzed. A recommended system concept is presented, together with a plan for development and deployment.