Infrastructure owner-operators (IOOs) in the transportation industry, public utilities, and emergency services are examining how AVs and automated technologies may be used to help alleviate workforce shortfalls. Significant benefits may be derived from the automation of several manually performed tasks. For instance, the use of autonomous fleets may increase staff productivity by allowing IOOs to direct staff resources to other tasks or new jobs, reduce exposure to unsafe job functions, or provide an opportunity for staff to develop new skills. Autonomous vehicles or automated technologies may include fleet vehicles, transit vehicles or shuttles, mowers and other maintenance vehicles, and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). Under NCHRP Project 14-42, “Determining the Impact of Connected and Automated Vehicle Technology on State DOT Maintenance Programs,” Iowa State University (ISU) was asked to estimate the impact of dynamic connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies on roadway and transportation systems management and operations asset maintenance programs. This research is summarized in NCHRP Research Report 1084: Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Determining the Impact on State DOT Maintenance Programs, which provides a preliminary look at the CAV implementation and influencing factors for state DOT consideration. As an additional task, ISU was asked to identify AVs and other automated technologies that IOOs are piloting or implementing, determine the status of these applications, and suggest the next steps for advancing these technologies. The research team conducted a literature review and a state survey, and interviewed agencies to ascertain the status of their use of autonomous and automated technologies. State DOTs were surveyed and collectively indicated their interest in prioritizing the following functions in which to use automated technologies, noting their potential benefits. The functions include emergency and incident response, bridge inspection, work zone crash abatement, emergency condition assessment, traffic monitoring, construction inspection, and automated shuttles or buses. Members of local municipalities who have implemented the Federal Highway Administration’s Smart City applications were also surveyed.

NCHRP Research Report 1119: Automated Applications for Infrastructure Owner-Operator Fleets and NCHRP Research Report 1084: Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Determining the Impact on State DOT Maintenance Programs, both derived from NCHRP Project 14-42, each have an accompanying PowerPoint presentation and an implementation plan. These resources are accessible by searching the National Academies Press website (https://nap.nationalacademies.org/) for NCHRP Research Report 1119: Automated Applications for Infrastructure Owner-Operator Fleets and NCHRP Research Report 1084: Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Determining the Impact on State DOT Maintenance Programs.