The three applications that compose the INFLO bundle will enhance freeway and arterials operations by exchanging data with these respective environments and implementing applications that will improve their operations. These applications are:

• Queue Warning (Q-WARN);

• Speed Harmonization (SPD-HARM); and

• Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC)

In selecting these applications, the USDOT sought applications that had the potential to be transformative (i.e., that they significantly alter existing freeway and arterial operations in substantial mobility improvements), that are achievable in the near-term, and that would evolve over time as the deployment of Connected Vehicle progresses.

This vision picture illustrates the deployment vision for the INFLO applications. The three mobility applications in this bundle can act independently, but they can and will interact together to transform the way both freeway and arterial operations occur. The INFLO bundle is viewed as being deployed incrementally with implementation in the near-term (today), mid-term (as more vehicles are equipped with latest technology), and, ultimately, long term (100% vehicle penetration).

These applications can be evolved from their current state by leveraging Connected Vehicle technology to offer significant transformative impacts while minimizing a number of the risks and delays inherent in developing entirely new concepts. This philosophy of identifying applications that can be deployed in the near-term is in keeping with the USDOT’s goals of quickly moving these applications from the research stage to adoption in the field.

Photo courtesy of VDOT