COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For decades, scientist and engineers at Battelle have been doing important research work in transportation, connected vehicles and infrastructure improvement. Recent successes have the world’s largest independent research and development organization solidly in the business of smart mobility.
In June of this year, Battelle played a big role in the writing of the City of Columbus’ successful Smart Cities bid and now, Battelle has played an equally vital part in crafting a winning bid for the City of Dublin, the City of Marysville and Union County for the advancement of the Northwest U.S. 33 Smart Mobility Corridor. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded a $5,997,500 grant for Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) along the central Ohio corridor for connected vehicle and autonomous vehicle testing and research.
The NW US 33 Smart Mobility Corridor is home to 50+ automotive related companies including Honda manufacturing, R&D operations and The Ohio State University's Transportation Research Center that includes a 7.5-mile automotive test track.
The expansion of fiber-optics and smart mobility apparatus along the corridor will solidify the importance of technological advancements in smart mobility for the automotive sector.
“The introduction of connected vehicle and autonomous vehicle testing to our region is going to have a substantial economic development impact for our city, enhancing our reputation as a community of choice for technologically advanced businesses and astute residents,” said City of Dublin Chief Information Officer Doug McCollough. “Battelle was both instrumental and critical to winning this grant and will be a valued partner throughout the initiative.”
The City of Columbus “Smart Columbus” vision won the U.S. Department of Transportation $40 million Smart City Challenge in June after competing against 77 cities nationwide. In each case, the Battelle proposal center and staff made an impact on the bids. Smart Columbus includes testing autonomous vehicles at Easton and connected vehicle technology in a number of Columbus locations. The City of Columbus is matching the USDOT grant with its own funds, along with $90 million in pledges from public and private sector partners.
Battelle also recently won two Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) contracts totaling about $182 million for research on connected vehicles, work zones, congestion management, freight, commercial vehicles, weather, and other topics that affect traffic management and operations.
About Battelle
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.
