HNTB Corporation.

The Central Office of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in the US is planning to enter into a three-year automated vehicle support contract with construction management firm HNTB Corporation.

The company is likely to support the FDOT by working with auto manufacturers, suppliers and related original equipment manufacturers on pilot projects.

HNTB is also planning to work with universities on automated vehicle research projects to fast-track the application testing.

"Connected and automated vehicles will inform drivers and transportation users, making travel safer and more efficient."

HNTB national practice leader for intelligent transportation systems Jim Barbaresso said that the integration of automated and connected vehicles is expected to increase the available roadway capacity without the addition of extra pavement.

Barbaresso also expects to see decrease in vehicle crashes, injuries due to the automated and connected technologies that will have faster reaction times, and are not likely to distract or impair driving.

HNTB south-east division president Mike Inabinet said: "Florida is one of a handful of states leading the way toward a future where cars talk with one another, the roadway and eventually drive themselves.

"Connected and automated vehicles will inform drivers and transportation users, making travel safer and more efficient."

HNTB’s ITS work is also likely to include consulting with the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority which is expected to be the affiliate test bed for the US Department of Transportation’s Connected Vehicle Test Bed programme.

Image: HNTB headquarters in downtown Kansas City. Photo: courtesy of Kcphotoblog on Wikipedia.