State and local transportation agencies are preparing their infrastructure for the integration of connected vehicle technologies. To date, most connected vehicle research has focused on applications in urban areas, but agencies also need long-term planning to assess resource needs required for deploying, operating, and maintaining connected vehicle technology infrastructure on rural corridors. There are opportunities for potential improvements in safety, mobility, and efficiency;  and to have a vision for connected vehicle deployment along rural corridors.

This research aimed to identify connected vehicle applications most relevant on rural corridors and how they may be integrated into transportation agencies’ traffic operations and management plans.The research adopted a systems engineering approach to develop a model Concept of Operations and Requirements document to aid agencies responsible for rural corridors as they begin to assess their needs, operational concepts, scenarios, and requirements for connected vehicle technology deployment. Final deliverables include a final report; Concept of Operations and high level functional requirements document; as well as recommendations for future research.

NCHRP Research Report 978: Initiating Systems Engineering Process for Rural Connected Vehicle Corridors, Volume 1: Research Overview; Volume 2: Model Concept of Operations; Volume 3: Model System Requirements Specification are now available; and a PowerPoint presentation of context diagrams.