FHWA Awards $53 Million in Congestion Management Grants
The agency evaluated 51 applications requesting more than $265 million in all.
The Federal Highway Administration has awarded a total of $53.2 million in Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment grants to 10 projects to fund advanced technologies that will improve mobility for drivers and enhance the performance of the U.S. highway system.
"These highly innovative projects offer high-tech solutions to relieve congestion and improve safety and efficiency on the nation's highways," U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said. FHWA's ATCMTD program funds early deployments of cutting-edge technologies that can serve as national models to improve travel for commuters and businesses. This year, the grants will fund projects that range from advanced real-time traveler information to Integrated Corridor Management and vehicle communications technologies, paving the way for connected and autonomous vehicles and traffic management systems.
FHWA Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Brandye Hendrickson said those technological tools "are helping to support a transportation system that is equipped for the future."
The agency evaluated 51 applications requesting more than $265 million in all. Hendrickson said the volume of applicants was an indication of interest in the program and of the increasing recognition that innovative solutions are needed to improve the country's highways.
The University of Alabama and nine state departments of transportation will receive the grants.