The iRoad project
addresses both research challenges and industrial needs. Test sites
are used to acquire the necessary data for research and to test
concepts and prototypes in a real-life setting. Currently, tests are
conducted in Northern Sweden (public roads in the Luleå-Piteå
region) and there are three primary test sites:
E4 at Rosvik
The test site is actively used since the very beginning of the iRoad
project. Currently, a road strip of approximately 1.5 km is in use,
where a two lane road merges into a one lane road just before the
intersection "Rosvik north". The installation is in the
south-going direction, but is partially visible when travelling
towards Luleå.
The main objective of this test site is to test physical installation
properties and the resilience of the road marking units towards snow
plowing and heavy traffic. For example, during one winter several
hundred plowing events can occur. The road marking units should
tolerate these events and operate without malfunction.
Road 94 close to Alvik
Another test site is the rural road 94 towards Älvsbyn. Intelligent road
studs are installed on the center lane marking prior to the bridge
over Aleån River. To enhance visibility of the narrowing driving
lane road studs are mounted on same lateral position as the left and
right lane markings along the bridge.
The main objective of the installation is to study the effect of the
improved visibility of the lanes on the perceived safety of the road
users. This is of special interest when vehicles pass over a narrow
bridge while there is oncoming traffic in the opposed lane.
LTU Roundabout in Luleå
The latest test site is the LTU roundabout close
to the Luleå campus of Luleå University of Technology. The primary
objective of this test site is to collect data, to test the
technology platform (hardware and software) and to analyze the
performance of distributed functions created by a wireless sensor
network. This means that the road marking units communicate with each
other, a road side unit, other parts of the infrastructure, vehicles
and road users.
The current feature is a traffic triggered running light that informs
approaching road user on the upcoming roundabout and the traffic
direction in the roundabout. This application involves detection of
vehicles that are either in the roundabout or are about to enter the
roundabout, and subsequent coordinated actuation of the distributed
wireless road studs. It is important to note, that the test site is
active even if the installation is not interacting with road users.
Demonstrators are
also used to present the current achievements and involve the general
public into research activities.
Current demonstrator:
Traffic counting and road surface temperature broadcasting using a wireless
sensor node. Go to demo...