Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12THE VIRGINIA TECH SMART ROAD One of the most remarkable features of VTTI is its ability to perform applied vehicle research on its very own 2.2- mile closed test track, called the Virginia Smart Road. Studies are conducted daily on this stretch of roadway. Virginia was the first state to apply for federal funds to build a smart highway, which VTTI, then called the Center for Transportation Research, would design with the assistance of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The Smart Road officially opened in 2000 and was met with immediate high demand for various types of research. The road is designed with multiple types of road surfaces and pavement markings to accommodate a wide array of testing conditions. The Smart Road even has its own weather system. From the Smart Road Control Room overlooking the roadway, the staff can produce rain, fog, and even simulate blizzard conditions by producing up to 10 inches of snow per hour. Today, the Smart Road has been utilized for over 22,000 hours of drive time. Studies have been conducted for autonomous vehicles, inclement weather, and highway lighting capabilities, which have gone on to impact policies and transportation products throughout the world. T H R E E The Virginia Smart Road. Image provided by VTTI.