Citation

Ferlis R. Public Roads 2007; 71(1): 42-47.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, U.S. Federal Highway Administration)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Transportation planners have long dreamed of an automated highway in which an automatic, intelligent guidance system would allow cars to travel quickly in a tight formation, improving highway safety and reducing traffic congestion. This article discusses some of the progress that has been made to making the automated highway a reality, as well as some of the challenges to such a project. Although proponents of the automated highway envision that the concept could solve transportation problems within a 2030 to 2060 timeframe, others believe that the technical and institutional challenges make it unlikely that an automated system would be viable even in the distant future. A look at how technology may realistically improve transportation by the year 2050 is provided.