Maricopa County has been selected by the United States Department of Transportation to serve as a national model for new automotive technologies. The county has received a nearly-$20 million grant focused on developing vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies. The Department of Transportation in Maricopa County will deploy V2X technologies using 5.9 GHz communications to connect 750 physical roadside units to an estimated 400 onboard units.
The initial focus will be on transit, emergency, and freight fleets, with applications such as Emergency Vehicle Preemption, Vulnerable Road User detection, and Transit Signal Priority being deployed across Phoenix, Tolleson, Avondale, and the connecting US 60. In addition to V2X technologies, Maricopa County will utilize a 5G computing network to connect infrastructure at 75 intersections. The goal is to demonstrate interoperability between different users and platforms.
The potential of connected vehicle technology like V2X to improve road safety and save lives was emphasized by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. The grant received by Arizona is part of a $60 million package distributed by the USDOT across Arizona, Texas, and Utah. Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers expressed gratitude for the grant and highlighted the county’s history of testing and innovation in this area for over 15 years.
This significant achievement positions Maricopa County as a leader in automotive technology development and testing. Collaboration between government agencies and technology partners will play a vital role in deploying and showcasing these innovative technologies that aim to bring safety and mobility improvements to the region. Stay updated on the latest developments in automotive technology and infrastructure improvements by sharing your story ideas or tips with the KTAR News team.