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Ohio Invests in Test Track for Automated Cars

Transportation Research Center

Governor John Kasich wants Ohio to be a leader in driverless vehicle technology.  So as part of the governor’s budget, Kasich plus Ohio State University are investing in a $45 million expansion of the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty to create new test tracks for automated cars.

The proving ground’s Vice President Brett Roubinek explained the first phase of the expansion plans on 90.3’s the Sound of Ideas.  He says one scenario would recreate a multi-lane intersection.  He describes another as a 45-acre Vehicle Dynamics Area.

“You can imagine this as an asphalt lake about 45 acres in size, completely flat and about a third of that will be wetted to simulate conditions we might find in rain or snow.  Additionally, there will be an urban network of roads and this is something you would find in downtown, plenty of intersections, city blocks, roundabouts, things like that.  And then a control center to tie phase one together,” says Roubinek. 

Roubinek says design plans for the facility are almost complete and construction should begin soon. 

Annie Wu is the deputy editor of digital content for Ideastream Public Media.