Work

The Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on the Transportation Network with a Focus on the Physical Road Infrastructure

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Significant progress in autonomous vehicle (AV) development has been made over the years through advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and data processing; however, many challenges remain, particularly regarding road safety and the complexity of adapting these vehicles to certain traffic situations. As a result, many European countries are funding research projects and setting targets and strategic plans for autonomous mobility, while scientific research proposes establishing standards and design guidelines for adapting road infrastructure to new transportation trends. This review paper examines physical road infrastructure in the era of AVs and identifies potential modifications, considering the development of AVs during both the early and later stages of their introduction into mixed traffic flow. Accordingly, necessary road infrastructure adaptations and the main design parameters affecting road geometric design for AV operation are presented. The design parameters considered include stopping sight distance, vertical curve radii, straight sections, lanes, and others. Furthermore, potential changes in existing physical infrastructure are illustrated using the example of a deceleration lane. Whether it is new infrastructure or modifications to existing infrastructure, both are analyzed in terms of the proportion of AVs in the traffic flow.

Source: Infrastructures

DOI: 10.3390/infrastructures10120347

Authors: Ana Čudina Ivančev, Tamara Džambas, Vesna Dragčević

Institution: University of Zagreb

Language: English

Topic: Traffic control and management

Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172