In late July, the Montana Department of Transportation formalized an “infrastructure innovation” partnership with The Ray to develop innovative, technology-driven solutions to enhance safety, mobility, and resource conservation across Montana’s transportation network.
[Above photo by Montana DOT]
Backed by a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, the initial phase of the agreement establishes a multiyear framework for research and the development of geospatial analysis tools, with joint analysis and pilot evaluations slated to continue through 2028, according to The Ray.
“By exploring cutting-edge technologies and collaborative approaches, we are actively enhancing safety, mobility, and economic vitality for all Montanans,” noted Christopher Dorrington, Montana DOT director, in a statement.
Under the terms of the agreement, The Ray – a corporate venture engaged in testing a variety of infrastructure-related technologies, primarily along an 18-mile-long strip of I-85 in Georgia – will collaborate with Montana DOT on research, testing, policy development, and identifying potential funding opportunities.
That collaborative “framework” allows them both to explore and evaluate key advancements in transportation innovation, with an initial focus on the following areas:
- Wildlife Crossing & Habitat Evaluation: Analyzing data to assess suitable locations for wildlife crossings and exploring the development of native pollinator habitats within the right-of-way.
- Right-of-Way (ROW) Energy & Utilities: Evaluating opportunities for roadside energy utilization, utility colocation, and energy transmission within ROW under Montana DOT’s purview.
- Safety, Noise, & Smart Infrastructure: Analyzing data to improve road user safety, exploring traffic noise-reduction approaches, and evaluating smart infrastructure, such as connected and automated vehicle technologies.
Through this flexible framework, The Ray said it can introduce and coordinate with emerging technology and innovation partners to explore additional advancements, subject to Montana DOT’s final discretion.
The Ray has been forming partnerships with both public and private entities over the last several years to test a wide variety of transportation technologies.
In January, The Ray formed a similar partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation. That agreement – which runs through December 31, 2027, with a potential one-year extension – outlines collaborative efforts in research, policy development, and technology deployment. The Ray and Connecticut DOT will also provide educational materials, technical assistance, and facilitate partnerships to promote transportation innovation statewide.
Meanwhile, in 2019, The Ray joined forces with the Georgia Department of Transportation and Panasonic to test a vehicle-to-everything or V2X data “ecosystem” designed to improve roadway safety, reduce traffic congestion, and improve organizational efficiency.
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